PICS: YPNPICS: YPN
PICS: YPN

Queen's Speech in pictures: Pomp and ceremony in full flow as Her Majesty opens Parliament

The Queen's Speech provides the government of the day with an opportunity to highlight its priorities for the months ahead.

It forms part of the State Opening of Parliament ceremony, which marks the start of the parliamentary year. Her Majesty sets out the laws the government wants Parliament to approve. By convention, it is announced by the monarch in the presence of MPs, peers and other dignitaries in the House of Lords.