Charles Delivers First “King’s Speech” In 72 Years

The Washington Post reports:

King Charles III wore a very heavy crown. Someone called Black Rod had a door slammed in her face. A lawmaker was held “hostage” by Buckingham Palace.

It was the state opening of Parliament, that time of year when the British monarch announces the new laws on the government’s agenda, but because this is Britain, there was an elaborate ceremony steeped in ancient customs that may seem slightly confusing to the uninitiated.

It was also the first time in over 70 years that a king delivered the speech, an event made famous — at least for Americans — by the 2010 film starring Colin Firth as the wartime monarch King George VI overcoming a speech impediment. Since 1952, it’s been a queen doing the job.

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King’s Speech returns to Britain after 72-year absence, amid great pomp https://t.co/ncdCU11h3c

— Post World (@PostWorld) November 7, 2023

King Charles takes his seat in the House of Lords for the state opening of Parliament, where he will set out the UK government’s upcoming agenda in the King’s Speech https://t.co/btGJrP2Fqx pic.twitter.com/0LjSFRexqb

— Bloomberg (@business) November 7, 2023

King Charles talks about “the barbaric acts of terrorism against the people of Israel,” at the state opening of Parliament

He adds UK government ministers will work to “facilitate humanitarian support into Gaza” https://t.co/ndDm6qMBIopic.twitter.com/4WMaRaQtmr

— Bloomberg (@business) November 7, 2023

King Charles leaves Parliament after his speech at the first state opening of Parliament since he became Britain’s monarch https://t.co/xEtdRkGorS pic.twitter.com/rUoxSHe8gz

— Bloomberg (@business) November 7, 2023