State Opening of Parliament

The State Opening of Parliament is a ceremonial event which formally marks the beginning of each session of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. At its core is the Monarch's "gracious speech from the throne" (also known as the King's or Queen's Speech), which is read by the monarch but written by the government of the day. In the speech the monarch gives notice of forthcoming state visits, before setting out the government's legislative programme for the new parliamentary session. No business of either House of Parliament (the House of Lords or the House of Commons) can proceed until the Sovereign's speech has been delivered. The State Opening takes place in the House of Lords chamber within the Palace of Westminster on the first day of the new parliamentary session. This traditionally tends to fall in November, but can occur at any time of year (depending on the timing of general elections and parliamentary session start dates). It takes place in front of a formal gathering of both Houses of Parliament; the monarch customarily wears the Imperial State Crown and a Robe of State, and members of the House of Lords wear their parliament robes (in contrast to the House of Commons, whose members wear day dress). State Openings of Parliament are documented from as early as the 14th century and the first visual depictions date from the 15th century. The most recent State Opening was held on 13 May 2026, starting the second session of Parliament since the 2024 United Kingdom general election. It was the third of Charles III's reign, the second of the elected Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer, and the second State Opening with a Labour government since 2010.