The State Opening of Parliament is an official event initiated by the Queen of England that marks the beginning of the British parliamentary session. According to the official website of the Royal Family, “The State Opening is the only regular event to unite the three elements of legislature – the House of Lords, the House of Commons and The Queen – together as the Crown in Parliament”.
During this event, the Queen travels to the Palace of Westminster in a stage coach following the carriage carrying the Imperial State Crown and regalia for the ceremony. Upon arrival, the Queen is escorted to the ‘Robing room’ where she is crowned and adorned with long crimson velvet Robe of State. She then leads the procession to the House of Lords and delivers a speech to both Houses of Parliament, at the end of which the session commences.