Back in October, on the 14th, the Queen attended the State Opening of Parliament. I wrote a full blog report on that event, that you can read here; https://b-jchristian.wixsite.com/royalbritannia/blog/state-opening-of-parliament-2019
So, following the general election and a new session of parliament, the Queen opened parliament again, on 19th December 2019. I was fortunate enough to attend the event as a guest of Baroness Berridge, a Baroness in Waiting to Her Majesty. So, this is an eyewitness reflection of the State Opening of Parliament, rather than all the details of the occasion (for that, read the link above!)
I took my seat in one of the boxes of the Royal Gallery, which is a long room where the Royal Procession takes place. The Royal Gallery is where the guests attending the State Opening of Parliament sit. The elements of the event that did not take place in the Royal Gallery where I could see them live, were shown on screens, so that all the guests could see.
The event really started for me when the Yeoman of the Guard, in their gold and red uniforms, ruffs, and regalia lined the Royal Gallery. They remained there throughout the event. The Gentlemen at Arms then processed through the Royal Gallery. An exciting moment for me was when the The Crown (the Imperial State Crown), the Cap of Maintenance, and the Sword of State arrived at the Sovereign’s Entrance. It was amazing to see the Crown being carried and used. It is a reminder that the Crown is such an important symbol, but that it is the individual who wears it, the Queen, who really represents the country. What a responsibility, but a responsibility that the Queen does so well. She is gracious, kind, regal, and shows a real interest in the engagements she undertakes. When I saw her today, and heard her read the speech, I felt that she demonstrated both a sense of seriousness at the task in hand, and the sense that this is where she wanted to be, she was present, despite having done this so many times before. For her age, at 93, she walked with such ease and spoke so clearly. Incredible.
The Queen was not wearing her usual full state dress and crown, because she wore it so recently on 14th October. In previous years, she has also not worn full state dress at the State Opening, if there is more than one State Opening around the same time. Instead, today, she wore a blue dress coat and floral dress, and matching blue hat. The Prince of Wales accompanied her, and instead of his military dress uniform, wore a morning suit. The Duchess of Cornwall did not attend, as she has done previously.
Here is a photo of the Order of Procession from, ‘The Ceremonial To Be Observed At The State Opening Of Parliament By Her Majesty The Queen.’
What struck me most about the event today, is the amount of pomp and ceremony, and the detail and significance of it all. To an outsider, it may seem over the top, and ostentatious. Some may say it needs to be toned down to reflect modern times. But, everything has a part to play, and a reason why it is there. Perhaps, what is needed instead, is not abolition of these ceremonies, but education of what they stand for. After all, is there not something profound and deeply-rooting, stability-giving even, in these traditions and protocol. The governance of the nation is huge, it is so, so important. The words that the Queen speaks are full of importance, for they affect every single person in this country. They deserve such ceremony. I like the fact that they are televised, so that the nation may be part of this event.
There were lots of intricately designed robes, and ruffs, and feathers! All looking as though they were from the Baroque era, but as I reflected, I realised that it is from that era that much of the modern set up of Parliament stems from, so the fact that Baroque-style fashions are present, is significant in its own way.
The Queen does not write her speech, but it is written by the Prime Minister and his government. It outlines what they plan to do in this next session of Parliament. It goes on to be debated by the House of Commons and the House of Lords. What a strange position for the Queen to be in, to speak such significant words as her own. I am not sure how many of us would be able to fulfil such a task.
As I stood throughout the ceremony at the parts where I was required to stand, I prayed for the Queen and this government, that God would help them with their task, and echoed the Queen’s own prayer of blessing on this government, that she prayed at the end of her speech.
Afterwards, I met up with my friend, Baroness Berridge, and she showed me some of the other parts of the House of Lords. There was a great hustle and bustle around the building as people took a short break before they resumed business as usual. I took tea with Baroness Berridge in a room where guests are allowed. The Baroness was in the procession at the State Opening in her role as Baroness in Waiting to Her Majesty, and it was so lovely to watch her. She also had the opportunity to talk to Her Majesty, and wish her a Merry Christmas! We echo that!
What a day that was! So exciting to feel the excitement and significance of the State Opening for myself, and be so near to the Queen and Prince of Wales. There is nothing like experiencing it for yourself.
Myself and Baroness Berridge