Alert – King’s day of pomp and pageantry: Charles dons his royal regalia for state opening of Parliament filled with gold, grandeur and 500 years of tradition – with Queen Camilla by his side

King Charles III has returned to Buckingham Palace after delivering Sir Keir Starmer’s plans for Britain at the historic State Opening of Parliament in what was the first speech from the throne under a Labour government for 14 years.

The 75-year-old monarch saluted from his horse-drawn carriage as he and Queen Camilla were welcomed back to the royal residence with the national anthem, drawing a day of pomp, pageantry and centuries-old tradition to a close.

Sir Keir’s new Labour government used the King’s Speech to say they would ‘fix the foundations of this nation’ but conceded that ‘rebuilding our country will not happen overnight’.

Charles and Camilla – who is celebrating her 77th birthday today – set off from Buckingham Palace at 11am before they were escorted by the Household Calvary for a resplendent horse-drawn procession down The Mall.

The King and Queen were then taken to Parliament in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, pulled by six grey horses in the glorious sunshine. 

They arrived to gun salutes, bell chimes and cheers from royal fans as they were welcomed through the gates of the Sovereign’s Entrance – a doorway that is reserved for the monarch. They did, however, have to go past a pocket of anti-monarchy protesters who held up placards which said ‘Not my King’ and ‘Down with the Crown’.

The union flag was lowered at the Palace of Westminster and replaced by the Royal Standard to signify the presence of the monarch.

The King and Queen then entered the House of Lords just before 11.30am, where they led a royal procession holding each other’s hands before taking their seats on their thrones.

The historic day is made up of a series of bizarre yet memorable rituals, including the role of Black Rod – the senior official responsible for maintaining order at the House of Lords.

Black Rod Sarah Clarke made her way to the House of Commons to fetch MPs at around 11.30am before having the door slammed in her face. She then knocked three times with a ceremonial staff to gain entry, where she called upon the MPs to follow her back to the Lords. 

Black Rod acts as secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain, with responsibility for major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster. 

The position is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of a selection panel chaired by the Lord Speaker. In 2018, Ms Clarke became the first female Black Rod in the position’s 650-year history.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle led MPs to the Lords, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer walking alongside Conservative leader Rishi Sunak. The pair chatted and laughed as they left the Commons together – less than two weeks after Sir Keir took over from Mr Sunak as Prime Minister.

As MPs took their seats, Charles, sitting in the Sovereign’s Throne which is slightly taller than the Queen’s, then started unveiling Sir Keir’s plans for Britain in his speech. His speech ran to 1,421 words, making it the longest monarch’s speech at a State Opening of Parliament since 2003.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured leaving the Houses of Parliament before heading back to Buckingham Palace

King Charles III, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, sits alongside Queen Camilla, wearing the George IV State Diadem before reading the King’s Speech

King Charles reads out the speech in the House of Lords Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament

On a day filled with gold, grandeur and centuries of tradition, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived by carriage for the State Opening of Parliament

King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through the Royal Gallery on the day of the State Opening of Parliament

King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the Royal Gallery during the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster

King Charles III, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, reads the King’s Speech from the The Sovereign’s Throne in the House of Lords chamber

Queen Camilla, on her birthday, walks alongside her husband King Charles and is followed by her sister Annabel Elliot (back left)

Black Rod Sarah Clarke carries out the unusual tradition of collecting the MPs but not before having the door slammed in her face

She bangs on the door three times with a ceremonial staff so that she can fetch the MPs and bring them back to the House of Lords

Members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a 41 gun salute from Green Park, to signal the start of the State Opening of Parliament and King’s Speech

King Charles reads Labour’s speech ahead of a new parliamentary session. He is pictured alongside Queen Camilla 

Charles and Camilla both looked spectacular as they donned their regal robes and walked through the House of Lords

MPs and Lords listen as King Charles III reads out his speech from the The Sovereign’s Throne in the House of Lords chamber

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak share a laugh at the State Opening of Parliament

King Charles III, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, and Queen Camilla, wearing the George IV State Diadem

The King and Queen were seen holding hands as they led a royal procession before the King gave his speech

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving for the State Opening of Parliament after a resplendent horse-drawn procession down the Mall

Queen Camilla wearing the Diamond Diadem arrives at the Houses of Parliament

King Charles III and Queen Camilla depart Buckingham Palace as they travel to Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament

This is the moment that King Charles and Camilla arrived at Westminster on Wednesday

King Charles III salutes the Life Guards as he and Queen Camilla depart Buckingham Palace

Queen Camilla is celebrating her 77th birthday today

The Imperial State Crown is carried through the Norman Porch ahead of the State Opening of Parliament

Queen Camilla – who is celebrating her 77th birthday – travels down The Mall in a horse-drawn carriage with King Charles during the State Opening of Parliament

Anti-monarchy Not My King protesters demonstrate as King Charles III and Queen Camilla ride past in their carriage

A carriage carrying Sir George Michael Zambellas leaves Buckingham Palace

Members of the Household Cavalry arrive at Buckingham Palace ahead of the State Opening of Parliament

The Imperial State Crown and The Sword of State, are taken in Queen Alexandra’s State Coach to the Houses of Parliament

Crowds wait near Buckingham Palace, to view King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave

The Imperial State Crown, The Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance, are taken in Queen Alexandra’s State Coach to the Houses of Parliament

Members of the House of Lords dressed in their ceremonial red robes sit in the House of Lords Chamber

The King said the Government’s programme will be ‘based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.’

Sir Keir outlined a blizzard of around 40 bills in the new government’s maiden legislative programme, with the PM vowing to deliver ‘real change that transforms lives’.

The measures include a major overhaul of the planning system, renationalising the railways, a Net Zero push, a truancy crackdown and bringing Channel smuggling gangs under terror laws.

Charles and Camilla left the Palace of Westminster at around midday. The departure of the King from Parliament officially starts the new parliamentary session, paving the way for MPs to get back to work in the House of Commons.

Charles was wearing his Admiral of the Fleet Royal Naval Number 1 Dress with cap and sword. In the Robing Robe at the House of Lords, Charles put on the Imperial State Crown and his crimson Robe of State, which was made for his grandfather George VI’s coronation in 1937.

The Queen was wearing an off white silk crepe embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, George IV State Diadem, a diamond collet necklace, diamond Van Cleef and Arpels earrings and a diamond bracelet. 

Camilla’s famous George IV State Diadem was worn countless times by the late Queen during her reign and was probably the most well recognised of all her pieces of jewellery.

It is composed of four diamond pave-set crosses pattee alternating with four bouquets of rose, shamrock and thistle. Set with 1,333 brilliant-cut diamonds, it was made for George IV’s extravagant coronation in 1821 and Elizabeth II usually wore it for her journey to and from the State Opening.

Camilla was dressed in her crimson Robe of State, which was made for Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, in the Robing Room.

The King and Queen were taken to Westminster in the black and gilded Diamond Jubilee State Coach – the newest in the Royal Mews. It has shock absorbers to stop it from swaying, and heating, internal lights and power windows. It was used by the King and Queen on their journey to their coronation in 2023. 

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment led the procession, with the Queen Alexandra’s State Coach carrying the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and Sword of State.

The crown weighs 2.3 lbs (1.06kg) and has nearly 3,000 stones – including 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and five rubies.

Among its jewels is the Black Prince’s Ruby – one of the late Queen’s favourite gems – as well as the Cullinan II diamond and a large oval sapphire known as the Stuart Sapphire.

Charles also wore the priceless crown on his return journey to the palace after his coronation, but he was crowned in the 17th century golden St Edward’s Crown.

The King’s bodyguards kicked off the day steeped in tradition and history by carrying out a ceremonial search of the cellars of the Palace of Westminster.

The Yeomen of the Guard ventured underneath the palace in search of explosives, continuing a tradition that dates back to the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Back then, Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes was discovered beneath Parliament guarding enough explosives to blow King James I and the rest of the English aristocracy to smithereens.

Another tradition sees a Member of the Commons ‘taken hostage’ in Buckingham Palace while the monarch attends Westminster. This dates back to when the monarch and parliament’s relationship was more strained, meaning the King wanted assurances he wouldn’t be harmed while in Westminster.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla look out at anti-monarchy activists on Whitehall

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, listening to the King’s Speech

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey (centre) listening to the King’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament 

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner listens to the King’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament

King Charles III, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, and Queen Camilla, wearing the George IV State Diadem

Sarah Clarke, Black Rod, walks towards the House of Lords to carry out one of the strange traditions at the historic event

King Charles wears the Imperial State Crown on the day of the State Opening of Parliament

House of Commons of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle being prepared for the State Opening of Parliament

Sir Keir Starmer leaving No 10 Downing Street for the big occasion

The Imperial State Crown is carried in the Royal Gallery on the day of the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster

Guards gather outside the Houses of Parliament on the day of the State Opening of Parliament

A member of the House of Lords holds a programme for the State Opening of Parliament

Queen Alexandra’s State Coach outside Buckingham Palace, London

Major General James Bowder, Grenadier Guards, rides along The Mall

The military procession outside the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament

Member of the House of Lords take their seats in the Lords Chamber

Guards arriving at the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords

The King’s Bodyguard the Yeomen of the Guard take part in a Ceremonial Search in the House of Lords Chamber

King Charles, wearing the Imperial State Crown, and Queen Camilla, wearing the Diamond Diadem, walk through the Royal Gallery

King Charles sits down in the Sovereign Throne before delivering a speech for Sir Keir Starmer’s government

King Charles was wearing his Royal Navy outfit. He is pictured here leaving the Houses of Parliament after the state opening

The Sword of State arrives at the Houses of Parliament

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through the Royal Gallery, watched on by MPs and Lords

The State Opening of Parliament is a day filled with pomp and pageantry

Members of the House of Commons, including Father of the House Sir Edward Leigh, Stuart Andrew and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper

The Honourable Artillery Company pass by Buckingham Palace at the Queen Victoria Memorial ahead of the State Opening of Parliament

The Yeomen of the Guard take part in a Ceremonial Search – one of many rituals that take place at the State Opening of Parliament

The Band of the Grenadier Guards on parade at the Queen Victoria Memorial

Member of the House of Lords take their seats in the Lords Chamber

Princess Antonia, Duchess of Wellington waits for the start of the State Opening of Parliament

Members of The Royal Air Force Regiment on parade at the Queen Victoria Memorial

The Yeoman of the Guard take part in the Ceremonial Search ahead of the King’s Speech

King Charles III’s speech will set out the agenda of the UK’s first Labour government for 14 years

This year’s hostage is Samantha Dixon, the Labour MP for Chester North and Neston.  

It was Jo Churchill, former MP for Bury St Edmunds and Vice Chamberlain of HM Household, last year.

Amid the splendour of the traditional state opening, ten members of Youth Demand were arrested in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance after the protest group stated it planned to disrupt.

On social media the Metropolitan Police said: ‘Last week, Youth Demand said they planned to disrupt the event.

‘An hour ago, officers arrested 10 of them in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.

‘A further 20 to 25 have now gathered in Victoria Embankment Gardens and further arrests are being made.’

Last week the group called for supporters to assemble at Victoria Embankment Gardens on Wednesday morning in protest over Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

During the King’s Speech, Charles outlined Labour’s plans to ‘take the brakes off Britain.’

Reading out the speech from his throne, Charles said: ‘My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.

‘My Government will govern in service to the country.

‘My Government’s legislative programme will be mission-led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.

‘Stability will be the cornerstone of my Government’s economic policy and every decision will be consistent with its fiscal rules. It will legislate to ensure that all significant tax and spending changes are subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Bills will be brought forward to strengthen audit and corporate governance, alongside pension investment.

‘Securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission. My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on from the recent cost-of-living challenges by prioritising wealth creation for all communities. My ministers will establish an industrial strategy council. It is my Government’s objective to see rising living standards in all nations and regions in the United Kingdom.

Charles and Camilla sit on their thrones, wearing their robes for the day of pomp and pageantry 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) and former prime minister Rishi Sunak (right) lead MPs through the Central Lobby of the Houses of Parliament

Reform MP Nigel Farage walks through the Central Lobby at the Palace of Westminster

Anti-monarchy Not My King protesters demonstrate as King Charles III and Queen Camilla ride past in their carriage

A ceremonial search of the Houses of Parliament cellars by the Yeomen of the Guard

The search for explosives are carried out by the King’s bodyguards at the Houses of Parliament 

Members of the Life Guards make their way out of the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace after taking part in a Rank and March Past following the State Opening of Parliament

Soldiers stand by as King Charles III and Queen Camilla return to Buckingham Palace

King Charles III looks up as he reads the King’s Speech, as Queen Camilla sits beside him

Queen Alexandra’s State Coach, carrying the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State, returns to Buckingham Palace

Members of the Welsh Guards march out of the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace

King Charles and Queen Camilla walk out of the Houses of Parliament with their arms linked

MPs including Sir Ed Davey, Defence Secretary John Healey, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were present

House of Commons of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle being prepared for the State Opening of Parliament

Members of the Guard of Honour, provided by members of the Welsh Guards, stand outside Buckingham Palace

Police arrest a protester in Victoria Embankment gardens as Youth Demand call a pro-Palestine protest at the state opening of Parliament

Another protester is spoken to by police as Youth Demand tried to interrupt the historic day

‘My ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing. They will also pursue sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.

‘My Government is committed to making work pay and will legislate to introduce a New Deal for Working People to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights. 

‘It will seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models.

‘My Government believes that greater devolution of decision-making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth, and my ministers will introduce an English Devolution Bill. 

‘Legislation will be introduced to give new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities. This will support local growth plans that bring economic benefit to communities.

‘A Bill will be introduced to allow local leaders to take control of their local bus services. My ministers will bring forward legislation to improve the railways by reforming rail franchising, establishing Great British Railways and bringing train operators into public ownership.

The King’s Speech ran to 1,421 words, making it the longest monarch’s speech at a State Opening of Parliament since 2003

King Charles III and Queen Camilla travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach back down The Mall

King Charles III and Queen Camilla set off from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament

Soldiers riding back down The Mall after the State Opening of Parliament at Houses of Parliament

King Charles III and Queen Camilla wearing the Diamond Diadem depart the Houses of Parliament

The King’s Speech was the most legislation-heavy speech for nearly two decades, with its 40 Bills being the highest number to be announced at a State Opening since 2005

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves (R) and Shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt walk through the Member’s Lobby of the Houses of Parliament 

Members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment leave the Buckingham Palace

King Charles III reads the King’s Speech in the House of Lords Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament

Members of the Blues and Royals make their way out of the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace

Royal fans gather for the State Opening of Parliament in Westminster on Wednesday

There was a group of anti-monarchy protesters gathering nearby too. They held placards which said ‘Down with the crown’

Police marksmen on the roof of Buckingham Palace, ahead of the King’s Speech

A team of police officers patrol the Whitehall area ahead of the historic day

Union Jack flags hang in Parliament Square in Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament

Met Police officers are seen patrolling Whitehall, with Big Ben visible in the background

Police officers perform a search on Whitehall in Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament

Sir Keir, who became Prime Minister after Labour’s historic landslide win earlier this month, has said the party’s plans will ‘take the brakes off Britain’

‘Taken together these policies will enhance Britain’s position as a leading industrial nation and enable the country to take advantage of new opportunities that can promote growth and wealth creation.

‘My Government recognises the urgency of the global climate challenge and the new job opportunities that can come from leading the development of the technologies of the future. It is committed to a clean energy transition which will lower energy bills for consumers over time.

‘A Bill will be introduced to set up Great British Energy, a publicly-owned clean power company headquartered in Scotland, which will help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind. Legislation will be brought forward to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure. A Bill will be introduced to support sustainable aviation fuel production. My Government recognises the need to improve water quality and a Bill will be introduced to strengthen the powers of the water regulator.

‘My Government will seek to strengthen the border and make streets safer. A Bill will be introduced to modernise the asylum and immigration system, establishing a new Border Security Command and delivering enhanced counter-terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime. Legislation will be brought forward to strengthen community policing, give the police greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and strengthen support for victims.

‘Measures will be introduced to improve the safety and security of public venues and help keep the British public safe from terrorism. My Government will bring forward plans to halve violence against women and girls.

‘My ministers will seek to raise educational standards and break down barriers to opportunity. Action will be taken to get people back in employment following the impact of the pandemic. A Bill will be introduced to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing. Measures will be brought forward to remove the exemption from Value Added Tax for private school fees, which will enable the funding of 6,500 new teachers. My Government will establish Skills England which will have a new partnership with employers at its heart, and my ministers will reform the apprenticeship levy.

‘Legislation will be introduced to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no-fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession. Draft legislation will be published on leasehold and commonhold reform.

‘A Bill will be introduced to establish an independent football regulator to ensure greater sustainability in the game and strengthen protections for fans.

‘My Government will improve the National Health Service as a service for all, providing care on the basis of need regardless of the ability to pay. It will seek to reduce the waiting times, focus on prevention and improve mental health provision for young people. It will ensure mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health. My ministers will legislate to modernise the Mental Health Act so it is fit for the 21st century.

‘A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes. My ministers will also legislate to restrict advertising of junk food to children along with the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children. A draft Bill will be brought forward to ban conversion practices.

‘My Government will take steps to help rebuild trust and foster respect. Legislation will be brought forward to introduce a duty of candour for public servants. A Bill will be introduced to establish a statutory Armed Forces Commissioner to act as a strong independent champion for our gallant armed forces and their families.

‘Legislation on race equality will be published in draft to enshrine the full right to equal pay in law.

‘My Government will strengthen its work with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so that the best outcomes possible are delivered for citizens across the United Kingdom. My ministers will establish a new Council of the Nations and Regions to renew opportunities for the Prime Minister, heads of devolved governments and mayors of combined authorities to collaborate with each other.

‘My Government will continue to support the political institutions and devolved government in Northern Ireland. In consultation with all parties, measures will be brought forward to begin the process of repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

‘Measures to modernise the constitution will be introduced, including House of Lords reform to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the Lords. My ministers will strengthen the integrity of elections and encourage wide participation in the democratic process.

‘The Government will propose a modernisation committee of the House of Commons, which will be tasked with driving up standards, improving work practices and reforming procedures.

‘My Government will ensure a strong defence based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (Nato) common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Its commitment to Nato will remain unshakeable. It will maintain a strong armed forces, including the nuclear deterrent. To ensure that the United Kingdom’s defence capabilities are matched to the changing nature of global strategic threats, my Government will conduct a strategic defence review.

‘My Government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine and its people and it will endeavour to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to Nato membership.

‘My Government will seek to reset the relationship with European partners and work to improve the United Kingdom’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union. My ministers will seek a new security pact to strengthen co-operation on the mutual threats faced by the United Kingdom and the European Union.

‘My Government will play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East. It is committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

‘Later this week, my Government will host the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace.

‘The Queen and I look forward to our visit to Samoa alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, and our visit to .

‘Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

‘My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, other measures will be laid before you.

‘I pray that the blessing of almighty God may rest upon your counsels.’

As well as being the longest monarch’s speech at the state opening since 2003, it was also the most legislation-heavy speech for nearly two decades, with its 40 Bills being the highest number to be announced at a State Opening since 2005.

The text of this year’s speech took 12 minutes and 44 seconds for the King to read out loud, more than a minute longer than last year’s speech, which took him 11 minutes and 29 seconds to deliver.

It was the longest text, by word count, since the 1,448-word speech delivered by Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the 2003 State Opening of Parliament.

The longest monarch’s speech since the Second World War occurred in November 1999, when the late Queen had to deliver a speech containing 1,751 words.

The text, which took more than 15 minutes to read out, came midway through Tony Blair’s first Labour government.

The 40 Bills in this year’s speech – 36 full Bills and four draft Bills – is the highest number to be outlined at a State Opening since 2005, when 50 were announced (44 full Bills and six drafts).

The 2005 speech followed the third successive general election victory by Labour under Tony Blair.

The packed legislative programme for the first session of Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government is a marked contrast to the final session of the last Labour government under Gordon Brown, which began in November 2009 with a Queen’s Speech that contained just 13 Bills.

This year’s speech ranks as the seventh longest, by word count, since the end of the Second World War.

The longest monarchs’ speeches since 1945 have all been under Labour prime ministers, with Tony Blair’s 1997-2001 government accounting for three of the top five.

Among the five shortest speeches is the first one delivered by the late Queen, which took place in November 1952 and was just 799 words long.

The shortest speech since the war occurred in November 2009, totalled just 735 words and took six-and-a-half minutes to deliver.