There has been a lot of fuss in the British media over the last 48 or so about the Kings Speech which he is due to give at the opening of Parliament this afternoon. But like many, I found myself scratching my head slightly, and wondering what is it? And why is it so important?
It turns out that The King’s Speech is a major constitutional event in the United Kingdom that marks the State Opening of Parliament. It serves as the formal beginning of a new parliamentary session. With the speech setting out the Government’s legislative agenda for the coming year. At it’s core, it lists the new laws that the current government plans to introduce as well as going on to outline its main policy priorities for both domestic and foreign affairs for the year ahead.
However, all is not as it may seem, as despite the name, the King does not actually write the speech. The King’s speech is actually written by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The King will then read it in a neutral, monotone voice to demonstrate his constitutional role as a non-political figurehead who acts on the advice of his ministers.
The King’s Speech Ceremony
The speech is the centrepiece of the State Opening, a day filled with centuries-old traditions:
- The Search: Before the King arrives, the Yeomen of the Guard perform a ceremonial search of the cellars of the Palace of Westminster to commemorate the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.
- The Hostage: A Member of Parliament is “held hostage” at Buckingham Palace during the ceremony to ensure the King’s safe return—a tradition dating back to the era of Charles I.
- Black Rod: An official known as “Black Rod” is sent to the House of Commons to summon the MPs. The door of the Commons is traditionally slammed in their face to symbolize the House’s independence from the monarchy, before they are allowed to enter.
- The House of Lords: The King delivers the speech from a throne in the House of Lords chamber because the monarch is historically forbidden from entering the House of Commons.
