Keen eyes are turned towards Westminster today, May 10, as Parliament observes the State Opening of Parliament.
The Queen will not be in attendance for the first time in 59 years due to "episodic mobility" problems and Prince Charles and Prince William will attend in her place. The Queen's Speech will instead be read by Prince Charles.
The important ceremony is a tradition full of the kind of pomp and glitz that comes with important Royal occasions, and Charles will wear his Admiral of the Fleet uniform.
It is the first time Prince William has attended the event and while the Queen herself will not be in attendance, the Imperial Crown will be sent to Parliament.
Why has the throne been left empty in Parliament?
The royal throne in Parliament - placed in the House of Lords - has been left empty as the Queen is not in attendance at the event and only the reigning monarch is allowed to sit there for official events.
Prince Charles and Prince William can attend the event and perform her duties on her behalf thanks to the Letters Patent.
Royal Central said: "Letters Patent in the United Kingdom are legal instruments typically issued by the monarch.
"These patents grant an office, right, title, or status to a person. They can also be used for the creation of different corporations or offices, granting city status, granting coat of arms, or for granting royal assent."
The all-important Queen's Speech will be read by the Prince of Wales on Her Majesty's behalf, which sets out the agenda of her appointed government.
The speech is expected to contain key policy decisions on the likes of Northern Ireland, Brexit regulations and a new energy strategy with a focus on nuclear power.
Critics have focussed on the lack of an update about the Employment Bill, expected to be sidelined once again.
Why is the Queen not at the State Opening?
The Queen is not present at the State Opening of Parliament due to ongoing health issues, described as "episodic mobility" problems by the Palace.
She has recently endured frequent cancellations of events and has not been present at a number of events she normally attends.
It was recently confirmed she will not attend the Buckingham Palace garden parties this year and was not available to attend the Maundy Easter service.
The last time the Queen did not attend the State Opening was 1963, when she was pregnant at the time with Prince Edward. It is only the third time the Queen has missed the important Parliamentary event, the other due to another pregnancy with Prince Andrew.
The Palace said: "The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the State Opening of Parliament tomorrow.
"At Her Majesty’s request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, The Prince of Wales will read The Queen’s speech on Her Majesty’s behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance."
