State Opening of Parliament

Following the ceremonial transportation of the royal regalia and the arrival of the royal family at the Palace of Westminster, the Queen of England addressed the opening session of Parliament on issues to be addressed by the body in the coming term. The Queen opened parliament by reading a political statement prepared for her by Prime Minister John Major. She addressed the issues of the European Community, social services including health care, and Northern Ireland. Coverage of the event included the entire elaborate ceremony involving the royal family’s arrival and entrance to the proceedings, the mannered traditional actions of the palace guards and staff, and the invitation of the House of Commons to attend the Queen’s speech.


This program is not available due to rights restrictions.