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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Caroline Davies

What is the king’s speech and what is the state opening of parliament?

King Charles III and Queen Camilla sit on thrones before figures in ceremonial robes and wigs, with ornate gold backdrop.
King Charles III with Queen Camilla during the state opening of parliament in Westminster on Wednesday. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/Reuters

What is the king’s speech?

The king’s speech is the centrepiece of the state opening of parliament, the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary calendar, and the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of parliament – the sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons – meet. It marks the start of the new parliamentary year,

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