Menu
07/03/2013
Queen's Speech Date Announced
The Queen's 2013 speech has been announced for 8 May.
The annual speech marks the Opening of Parliament and is one of the main events in the Westminster calendar.
State Opening occurs on the first day of a new parliamentary session or shortly after a general election.
The event traditionally attracts a large audience, whether in person, on television or, nowadays, via the internet.
The speech is preceded by the Queen's procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, escorted by the Household Cavalry.
She arrives at Sovereign's Entrance and proceeds to the Robing Room, where she puts on the Imperial State Crown and parliamentary robe. A procession then leads through the Royal Gallery to the Chamber of the House of Lords, where the Queen takes the Throne.
The Queen's Speech is delivered from the Throne in the House of Lords, in the presence of Members of both Houses.
Although the Queen reads the speech, the content is entirely drawn up by government and approved by the Cabinet.
It contains an outline of the government's policies and proposed new legislation for the new parliamentary session.
The State Opening and delivery of a speech by the monarch can be traced back at least to the 16th century.
The annual speech marks the Opening of Parliament and is one of the main events in the Westminster calendar.
State Opening occurs on the first day of a new parliamentary session or shortly after a general election.
The event traditionally attracts a large audience, whether in person, on television or, nowadays, via the internet.
The speech is preceded by the Queen's procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, escorted by the Household Cavalry.
She arrives at Sovereign's Entrance and proceeds to the Robing Room, where she puts on the Imperial State Crown and parliamentary robe. A procession then leads through the Royal Gallery to the Chamber of the House of Lords, where the Queen takes the Throne.
The Queen's Speech is delivered from the Throne in the House of Lords, in the presence of Members of both Houses.
Although the Queen reads the speech, the content is entirely drawn up by government and approved by the Cabinet.
It contains an outline of the government's policies and proposed new legislation for the new parliamentary session.
The State Opening and delivery of a speech by the monarch can be traced back at least to the 16th century.
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 May 2008
Can Queen's Speech 'Save' Brown
Gordon Brown is expected to use this week's Queen's Speech programme to try to reclaim the political initiative after last week's disastrous showing for Labour in the local council elections. He is setting out his draft for the autumn with promises of new measures on schools and health.
Can Queen's Speech 'Save' Brown
Gordon Brown is expected to use this week's Queen's Speech programme to try to reclaim the political initiative after last week's disastrous showing for Labour in the local council elections. He is setting out his draft for the autumn with promises of new measures on schools and health.
06 November 2007
Few Surprises As Queen's Speech Unveils PM's Plans
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has laid out his plans for the government in his first Queen's speech. The speech, which was delivered by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, included bills on education, immigration, housing, constitutional reform and counter-terrorism, health and the environment.
Few Surprises As Queen's Speech Unveils PM's Plans
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has laid out his plans for the government in his first Queen's speech. The speech, which was delivered by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, included bills on education, immigration, housing, constitutional reform and counter-terrorism, health and the environment.
05 August 2011
Public Name New Neighbourhoods In Olympic Park
Five new residential areas that will be built on the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park have been named following a public competition. Almost 2,000 people submitted their suggestions to the Olympic Park Legacy Company, inspired by factors such as the future design for the area, its history or the Games themselves.
Public Name New Neighbourhoods In Olympic Park
Five new residential areas that will be built on the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park have been named following a public competition. Almost 2,000 people submitted their suggestions to the Olympic Park Legacy Company, inspired by factors such as the future design for the area, its history or the Games themselves.
20 March 2012
Queen Rededicates Herself To UK
As her Diamond Jubilee approaches the Queen has said she is rededicating herself to the service of the UK and its people. In a speech to both Houses of Parliament she said the celebration of her 60 years on the throne was a chance "to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration".
Queen Rededicates Herself To UK
As her Diamond Jubilee approaches the Queen has said she is rededicating herself to the service of the UK and its people. In a speech to both Houses of Parliament she said the celebration of her 60 years on the throne was a chance "to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration".
25 May 2010
Cautious Welcome For Queen's Speech
Today's Queen's Speech aims at getting the UK's finances back on track - but without jeopardising recovery Major plans to reform schools, police, welfare and Britain's political system are at the heart of the coalition government's first such set of policy proposals.
Cautious Welcome For Queen's Speech
Today's Queen's Speech aims at getting the UK's finances back on track - but without jeopardising recovery Major plans to reform schools, police, welfare and Britain's political system are at the heart of the coalition government's first such set of policy proposals.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
