King Charles III is set to give just the second King's Speech in more than 70 years on Wednesday (July 17) at the State Opening of Parliament. The King's Speech is where the UK Government sets out its legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session. Wednesday's speech will only be Charles' second since taking over the role of King following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
The last State Opening and King's Speech took place on November 7, 2023. What time is the King's Speech? King Charles will read the 2024 King's Speech in the House of Lords Chamber at the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday (July 17). The State Opening begins with the Monarch’s procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, escorted by the Household Cavalry.
When the Monarch arrives at Sovereign's Entrance he will then proceed to the Robing Room. Wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, he leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery, packed with around 600 guests, to the chamber of the House of Lords, the UK Parliament website explains. Once the royal procession has arrived at the chamber, Black Rod will proceed to the Commons Chamber and summon its members to the House of Lords.
The doors of the Commons will then be symbolically "slammed" closed before MPs will then follow Black Rod to the Lords to hear the King’s Speech. The King’s Speech impacts everyone in the country – but how much do you really know about it? Read this to find out what you'll nee.
