Queen Camilla joined King Charles III as he presided over the Official Opening of the Session of Parliament in the Chamber of the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London on July 17th, the second of the King’s Reign following the Coronation.
The Imperial State Crown, Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance traveled ahead of the Royal Party to the Palace of Westminster in Queen Alexandra’s State Coach.
The King and Queen departed Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, escorted by the Household Guards and Scots Guards, followed by members of the Royal Household.
Upon arrival at the Sovereign’s entrance, the King and Queen will go up the ceremonial stairs, to get to the Robing Room, where he will put on the Collar of the Order of the Garter, and the Robe of State and the Imperial State Crown, before processing into the Chamber of the House of Lords.
The King summoned the members of the House of Commons, before making his Speech from the Throne, which is written by the Government, outlining their plans for the current session of Parliament, and does not reflect the personal views of The King.
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, My Government will govern in service to the country.
My Government’s legislative programme will be mission led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.
After the Speech, which lasted 15 minutes, the Royal Party made their way back to the Robing Room, to get into their carriages, and travel back to Buckingham Palace, where they watched a Rank and March Past from The King’s Door.
In addition to the Imperial State Crown, the King wore Uniform with the Collar and Star of the Order of the Garter, the Royal Victorian Order, the Star of the Order of the Thistle, and his medals.
Queen Camilla wore the George IV State Diadem, a Diamond Rivière, her Modern Diamond Earrings, and Diamond Star of the Order of the Garter.
The leading Peeress present was Princess Antonia, Duchess of Wellington, who was wearing an heirloom Diamond Floral Tiara and a massive Diamond Stomacher, all historic heirlooms of the Dukes of Wellington.
The Queen’s Companions were the led by her leading Lady-in-Waiting, the Marchioness of Lansdowne, who wore the spectacular Lansdowne Diamond Floral Tiara.
The other Queen’s Companion was Lady Sarah Keswick, daughter of the 16th Earl of Dalhousie, who wore her striking Diamond Fringe Tiara and a Diamond Necklace.
