What is the king’s speech and what is the state opening of parliament?

King Charles III with Queen Camilla during the state opening of parliament in Westminster on Wednesday. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/ReutersView image in fullscreenKing Charles III with Queen Camilla during the state opening of parliament in Westminster on Wednesday. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/ReutersKing's speechExplainerWhat is the king’s speech and what is the state opening of parliament?Ceremonial event marks start of new parliamentary year, and outlines government policies and proposed legislation UK politics live – latest updates Caroline DaviesWed 13 May 2026 12.20 BSTLast modified on Wed 13 May 2026 12.25 BSTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhat is the king’s speech?The king’s speech is the centrepiece of the state opening of parliament, the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary calendar, and the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of parliament – the sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons – meet. It marks the start of the new parliamentary year,Who writes it?Although delivered by the monarch in their constitutional role as the UK head of state, the speech is written by the government to outline its policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session. Formally called the “speech from the throne” because it is delivered from the throne of the House of Lords, the monarch reads it out in a neutral tone. Whatever their private feelings the monarch must not show any preference for any political party or its policies.What is the backdrop to this speech?The event is taking place as the prime minister, Keir Starmer, fights for his future in Downing Street after heavy losses in the 7 May elections. Royal sources reportedly told Politico on Tuesday that the ceremony could prove embarrassing for the king if he had to read out something that may or may not still be the government’s programme by the end of the week.Politico said in one recent discussion that Charles’s senior aide asked top government o...