Opening of Parliament

Traditionally the Queen opens Parliament every autumn, in November, or soon after a General Election. It is tradition for the monarch to open Parliament in person, and the Queen has performed the ceremony in every year of her reign.

On the day of the Opening, the Queen travels from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament* in the Stage Coach - a gold carriage. Once the Queen arrives at Parliament the union flag* is lowered and replaced by the royal standard.

The Queen, wearing her crown and ceremonial robe then processes through the Royal Gallery to take her place on the throne in the House of Lords, from where she send her messenger (Black Rod) to summon the MPs (Members of Parliament). When he arrives at the House of Commons, the door is slammed in his face, symbolizing the right of the Commons* to freedom from interference. He must then knock three times to gain entry and deliver his summons. No King or Queen has entered the House of Commons since 1642.

The Queen sits on a throne in the House of Lords and reads the "Queen's Speech". This is a day when ceremony rules every gesture.

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*Union Flag - государственный флаг Великобритании

*Houses of Parliament - здание парламента (место заседаний британского парламента)

*the Commons - палата общин