Ancient pomp and pageantry as King opens Parliament

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All the typical glittery British pomp and pageantry - much of which, of course dates back centuries - today as King Charles III sat on his throne in the House of Lords alongside Queen Camilla and opened Parliament.

As Head of State the British monarch is apolitical so his speech setting out the Government's agenda in the new Parliament was written by the Government itself, which the King simply read out to Parliament and the country.

The monarch is not allowed to step foot inside the House of Commons, which is why he delivers his speech in the Lords...

 

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One of the young Pages of Honour was Ike Elliot, 11, the great-nephew of Queen Camilla, who was recently appointed to the role by the Queen herself.

Ike is the grandson of the Queen's sister Annabel.

Pages of Honour are young boys within the Royal Household who are required to carry out specific duties on State occasions, such as coronations and the State Opening Parliament.

The King and Queen arrive for State Opening 👑 | State Opening 2026

Their Majesties the King and Queen arrive in the @HouseofLords for State Opening.

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The Monarchy and the People come face to face in Parliament as the King opens it



Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, crowned, sitting on their golden thrones and flanked by members of the Royal Household, in all their splendour in front of the Lords and Commons - representing the British people - as the King opens his Parliament, one of the most important British State events...