Queen Elizabeth II opened the British Parliament in this annual ceremony at the House of Lords. She proceeded into the House of Lords and then send the Gentleman of the Black Rod to invite the assembled Commons' members in to listen to her remarks. In her remarks, she outlined the agenda of the governing administration. Preliminary activities and processions were shown with voiceover commentary by Vivian White. A taped interview with Speaker Betty Boothroyd was shown. This opening marked the transition of majority power to the Labour Party, led by Tony Blair who will succeed John Major as prime minister.