11/05/2004 Entry: "State opening of Parliament 2004"

Traditional procession to House of Lords
This traditional event takes place on 23 November, the first day of the new Parliamentary session. The Queen travels from Buckingham Palace to Westminster along the Royal Route using the Irish State Coach drawn by four horses. Military bands play light music so there is plenty to see and hear.

On arrival at the Houses of Parliament the Queen delivers a speech from the Throne in the House of Lords to all of the Ministers. No members of the public are allowed into the Houses of Parliament but it is possible to watch the various processions from anywhere along the Royal Route.

The Queen reads the 'Most Gracious Speech', giving the elected Government's policies and programme for the coming session of Parliament. She travels to the House of Lords in the Irish or Australian State Coach with the Imperial State Crown leaving Buckingham Palace in its own carriage beforehand.

The speech is given in the presence of members of both Houses, the Commons being summoned to hear the speech by an official known as 'Black Rod'. In a symbol of the Commons' independence, the door to their chamber is slammed in his face and not opened until he has knocked on the door with his staff of office.

The Royal procession will start at Buckingham Palace (11am) and proceed via the Mall to Horse Guards, then to Whitehall and finally to Parliament Square. St James's Park provides the best vantage point for watching the procession.

Tube
St James's Park.

Date
Nov 23, 2004