Prince Charles , Delivers Queen's Speech Opening Parliament, For 1st Time.
Prince Charles , Delivers Queen's Speech Opening Parliament, For 1st Time.
Prince Charles, 73, is the heir to the British throne.
He was joined at the ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament by Prince William.
Queen Elizabeth, 96, has overseen the ceremony for more than 60 years.
She was unable to attend for just the third time during her reign due to a reported decrease in mobility.
There was confusion as to whether or not Charles would either sit in the ceremonial throne in the Chamber of the House of Lords.
... or if he would stand near it.
Prince Charles sat in the throne to the surprise of many in the House of Lords.
.
He sat next to The Imperial State Crown and began the recitation of each bill with the words.
"Her majesty's government will ...".
The State Opening of Parliament is an important ceremony that is usually marked by the Queen's trip to the House of Lords by State Coach.
The Imperial Crown and other symbols of the British monarchy travel to Parliament in their own coach.
The ceremony is traditionally viewed as one in which members of opposing parties put their differences on hold to come together is a sign of solidarity for the nation.
Charles has accompanied Elizabeth to the ceremony in recent years.
The Queen has been notably absent from several events in recent months due to health issues
