Intriguing traditions of the State Opening of Parliament
Crown jewels, slammed doors and hostages...
Hi everyone,
It’s Emily here with my weekly newsletter.
You may have heard some of the King’s Speech in the news today, read during the State Opening of Parliament, which is a major ceremonial event, full of pomp and splendour.
For more than 500 years, it has symbolised the unity of the Sovereign, House of Lords and House of Commons. But what actually happens during this magnificent and sometimes bizarre tradition?