monarchy
Queen wants to take part in the traditional opening of Parliament
Queen Elizabeth II goes about her duties – as best she can. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Queen Elizabeth II plans to give her traditional speech on the program and the government’s legislative plans next week in the British House of Lords. If she is not fit enough for this, her son steps in.
Despite health concerns, Queen Elizabeth II (96) wants to take part in the traditional opening ceremony in the British Parliament.
The Queen intends to give her “Queen’s Speech” in person next Tuesday (May 10) in the House of Lords, a palace spokesman said on Thursday evening. However, the final decision will not be made until the same day.
If she cancels, her eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles (73), would probably give the speech. Recently there had been concerns about the health of the monarch, who had repeatedly canceled public appearances in recent months.
Important appearance
The Queen’s Speech, which is accompanied by much ceremonial, is one of the Queen’s most important appearances. It presents the government’s program and legislative plans to the two chambers of parliament. The speech is written by the ministers; The Queen traditionally does not comment on politics.
This year the Queen celebrates her 70th jubilee on the throne. During this time, she only missed Queen’s Speech twice: in 1959 and 1963 – both times she was pregnant with Prince Andrew (today 62) and Prince Edward (58).
In 2020 the ceremony was canceled due to the pandemic. Since 2016, the head of state has used the elevator instead of the stairs when visiting Parliament. In addition, she is driven up in a limousine and no longer in a carriage. Most recently, Elizabeth II no longer wore the heavy crown and state robes, but rather a hat and costume.