The State Opening of Parliament is the most colourful event in the parliamentary calendar. The monarch travels by carriage from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster to formally open a new parliamentary session. The Yeomen of the Guard ceremonially search the cellars beforehand — a tradition dating from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Further reading: an editorial guide on this topic opens in a new window for additional context.
In the House of Lords the monarch reads the King's Speech (formerly the Queen's Speech), which is written by the government and sets out the bills it intends to introduce. An official called Black Rod summons MPs from the Commons to listen; by tradition the door of the Commons is slammed in his face to demonstrate the chamber's independence from the Crown.
You may be asked what is read at the State Opening (the King's Speech), or who writes it (the government).
Test yourself on this topic
These questions from the official-format question bank cover the same material. Tap any question to see the correct answer and a short explanation.
Keep going
- Read the full study notes for Government & Law.
- Try a practice test on this chapter.
- Sit a full 24-question timed mock.
- Browse the complete library of topic explainers.
Related topic explainers
What UK Taxes Pay For
Schools, the NHS, defence, pensions and roads — the public services funded by tax.
Being Arrested: Your Legal Rights
The right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer and the protections under PACE.
The County Court
Where most civil disputes — debts, personal injury and small claims — are decided.
The Devolved Administrations
How Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland legislate on devolved matters such as health and education.