State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the King's Speech sets out the government’s agenda for the new session.
What is State Opening?
The most recent State Opening of Parliament was held on 17 July 2024.
The State Opening of Parliament marks the start of the parliamentary year.
State Opening is main ceremonial event in the parliamentary calendar. For over 500 years, it has served as a symbolic reminder of the unity of Parliament's three parts: the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
When is State Opening?
State Opening takes place on the first day of a new parliamentary session.
Parliament's 2023-24 session came to a close with a 'prorogation' announcement on Friday 24 May 2024.
What is the King's Speech?
The Speech is written by the government. It sets out the government agenda for Parliament's new session.
It is read out by the King from the Throne in the House of Lords chamber.
Read the transcript of the King's Speech on 17 July 2024 [Lords Hansard]
What do members of the House of Lords wear?
The State Opening of Parliament is a state occasion, it is not a sitting of the House of Lords. It is the only regular occasion members of the House of Lords wear parliamentary robes: they wear normal business dress when the House is sitting.
What happens in the Lords after State Opening?
When the monarch or their representative leaves, a new session starts and the House of Lords gets back to work to debate the content of the speech.
Members debate the different subject areas of the Speech over five days. After which, bills start to get introduced in the Lords and it begins its year's work of debating, amending and passing legislation, and holding the government to account.
Can I watch the State Opening?
Yes. State Opening is broadcast live on Parliament TV and there will be a live stream on X; @houseoflords and YouTube.
House of Lords State Opening briefing
State Opening: Previous Speeches
- King's Speech 7 November 2023 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 10 May 2022 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 11 May 2021 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 19 December 2019 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 14 October 2019 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 21 June 2017 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 18 May 2016 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 27 May 2015 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 4 June 2014 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 8 May 2013 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 9 May 2012 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 25 May 2010 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 3 December 2008 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 6 November 2007 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 15 November 2006 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 17 May 2005 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 23 November 2004 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 26 November 2003 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 13 November 2002 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 20 June 2001 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 6 December 2000 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 17 November 1999 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 24 November 1998 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 14 May 1997 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 23 Oct 1996 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 15 November 1995 [Lords Hansard]
- Queen's Speech 16 November 1994 [Lords Hansard]
Please note that this is the complete list of the Queen's Speech available electronically from the UK Parliament website. If you are interested in finding earlier editions, please contact the Parliamentary Archives.
State Opening with reduced ceremonial proceedings
State Openings with reduced ceremonial elements have taken place several times in recent years. The following briefing produced by the House of Lord Library provides further information:
State Openings of Parliament: Reduced Ceremonial
Further Information
- Difference between a Parliament and a session
- Prorogation of Parliament
- General Elections and the Dissolution of Parliament
Image: State Opening 2021 / Roger Harris
