What is the King’s Speech and when is it?

King Charles is set to lead a centuries-old tradition in parliament next week, as he delivers the King’s Speech in the House of Lords.

The speech marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session, and is both historically symbolic and an important moment where the government’s legislative plans for the year ahead are set out.

Traditions of the speech, which is part of the State Opening of Parliament, can be traced back to the 16th century, while the current format of the ceremony dates from 1852.

It will come days after millions across the country head to the polls to vote in the local elections, and help the government steer the agenda for the weeks and months ahead.

Here we look at what the King’s Speech is and what it means:

When is the King’s Speech?

The next King’s Speech will take place during the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 13 May at around 11:30am.

The State Opening happens on the first day of a new parliamentary session – usually once a year – or after a general election.

Parliament is prorogued for a period before the ceremony, marking the end of one parliamentary session and bringing an end to nearly all parliamentary business and bills still in progress.

Ahead of next week’s ceremony, parliament was prorogued on Wednesday 29 April.

The last State Opening took place on 17 July 2024, shortly after Labour’s landslide in the general election. Before this, there was a State Opening on 7 November 2023, which was King Charles’ first King’s Speech as monarch.

The King reads the King’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) (PA Archive)

What happens during the ceremony?

The event, which draws a huge spectacle and audience, is steeped in history and begins with the monarch’s procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.

Ahead of the King’s arrival, a ceremonial search of the cellars in parliament for explosives is carried out by the Yeomen of the Guard in a nod to Guy Fawkes' 1605 gunpowder plot.

A member of the Commons – usually the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household – is also ceremonially ‘held hostage’ in Buckingham Palace to ensure the King’s safe return.

The King will then arrive at sovereign's entrance, escorted by the household cavalry before going to the robing room.

He will then lead the royal procession through the royal gallery to the House of Lords, wearing his crown and the robe of state and watched by an audience of 600 people.

A senior House of Lords official known as Black Rod is then sent to summon MPs from the Commons.

As is tradition, the doors to the chamber are shut in their face. The move dates back to the civil war and symbolises the Commons’ independence from the monarch.

Black Rod then strikes the door three more times before it is opened, and MPs follow them back to the Lords chamber to listen to the King’s speech.

The event, which draws huge spectacle and audience, is steeped in history and begins with the monarch’s procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster (PA Archive)

What is the King’s Speech and who writes it?

King Charles will then deliver a speech of around 10 minutes from the throne in the Lords chamber.

Despite being called the King’s Speech, it is the government rather than the monarch who writes the contents of it, and the King is expected to read it in a neutral tone.

It outlines the government’s policies and proposed legislation on its agenda for the parliamentary session ahead, which is usually about a year.

It will include legislation that has been carried over from the last session, legislation announced in 2024’s speech that may still be a part of the government’s future agenda, as well as new planned legislation.

It is not yet known what will be in this year’s King’s Speech, but potential topics could include reforms to the asylum system or digital ID.