Members of the British royal family attended the opening of the State Parliament today, while Queen Elizabeth II, missing the event for the first time in 59 years, stayed at home in Windsor.
Her eldest son Prince Charles of Wales replaced his mother at the grand opening and delivered a speech outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session. It was a symbolic and historic moment for the future king who is the longest-serving heir to the throne.
Prince Charles & Queen Elizabeth II
In the absence of the monarch, Charles assumed the primary constitutional duty of head of state. He was also joined by his son Prince William, who also represented the Queen at the event. He attended his first State Opening of Parliament, but his wife Duchess Catherine did not accompany him. She is today at the official opening of the memorial to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the attack.
Prince Charles at the opening of Parliament / Photo: Associated Press
Buckingham Palace said earlier that the 96-year-old queen reluctantly withdrew from her participation in the ceremony late Monday night as she continues to experience “episodic mobility problems” and decided to heed the advice of her doctors.
Prince Charles at the opening of Parliament / Photo: Associated Press
The Prince of Wales arrived in the company of his wife Camilla. They entered the hall to the sound of the national anthem. The prince was dressed in the uniform of an admiral of the fleet, while the duchess looked elegant in a navy blue dress and wide-brimmed hat. Also, despite the absence of the Queen, the Imperial State Crown was delivered to Parliament. Charles and Camilla made their way to their thrones, with the Prince taking center stage to read the Queen’s nine-minute speech. In this speech, writes Hello! The Prince of Wales said the government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help lower the cost of living for families.
Prince Charles at the opening of Parliament / Photo: Associated Press
“My government will expand opportunities in all parts of the country and help more people find jobs,” he said. Charles also promised that in “difficult times” the government will continue to support the people of Ukraine.
Prince Charles at the opening of Parliament / Photo: Associated Press
Recall that the last time Her Majesty the Queen missed the State Openings of Parliament was in 1959 and 1963 when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and then Prince Edward, then her speech was read by the Lord Chancellor. This speech is written by the government and sets out the agenda for the next session of Parliament.
Prince Charles at the opening of Parliament / Photo: Associated Press
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