King Charles makes history at State Opening of Parliament with first speech as monarch: best photos

King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled in The King's Procession to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. For the special occasion, the monarch wore the Admiral of the Fleet Royal Naval Number 1 Dress with cap and sword.

The spectacular event is steeped in history and is the only regular event which unites the three elements of legislature - the House of Lords, the House of Commons and The King – together as the Crown in Parliament.

Prior to delivering his speech, King Charles entered the Robing Room where he donned the long velvet Robe of State and the Imperial State Crown. He then lead the Royal Procession to the chamber of the House of Lords. 

The Imperial State Crown was transported by the Queen Alexandra's State Coach to the Houses of Parliament ahead of the majestic event. 

Other ceremonial traditions include searching the cellars of the palace of Westminster for explosives, holding a government "hostage" back at Buckingham Palace to ensure the safe return of the monarch, and sending the Black Rod across to the House of Commons where a door is ceremonially slammed in her face.

During the State Opening of Parliament, King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits as they took their places on The Sovereign's Throne in the House of Lords chamber.

Kicking off his speech, King Charles paid a touching tribute to his late mother by acknowledging the "legacy of service and devotion to this country" shown by his "beloved mother, the late Queen." 

Elsewhere in his speech, which is in fact written by the Government, Charles spoke about introducing a new legislation to "empower police forces and the criminal justice system to prevent new or complex crimes, such as digital-enabled crime and child sexual abuse, including grooming." 

He also touched on a new Bill to phase out leaseholds, with all new houses in England and Wales having to be sold as freehold properties. 

On the topic of smoking, the royal proposed a new legislation to "create a smoke-free generation" by restricting the sale of tobacco so that children currently aged fourteen or younger can never be sold cigarettes. 

The monarch also announced an annual system for awarding oil and gas licences, with the government saying it would help to protect jobs and improve energy security. He said: "This Bill will support the future licensing of new oil and gas fields, helping the country to transition to net zero by 2050 without adding undue burdens on households."

On the subject of inflation, Charles said: "My Government will continue to take action to bring down inflation, to ease the cost of living for families and help businesses fund new jobs and investment.

"My ministers will support the Bank of England to return inflation to target by taking responsible decisions on spending and borrowing."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak listened to the King's speech alongside Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer. Following the King's departure, members of both Houses debated the content of the speech. 

The 74-year-old was also accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla who paid a heartwarming tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II by choosing to wear her late mother-in-law's iconic diamond diadem for the first time.

Dressed to impress, Her Majesty wore her spellbinding Coronation dress crafted by Bruce Oldfield. She elevated her outfit with a glittering necklace and a pair of statement earrings. 

The tiara, worth a staggering £6 million, was worn by Elizabeth II for her Coronation in 1953. 

She then wore it to every State Opening of Parliament from then onwards until her heartbreaking death in September 2022.

Charles was also joined by his sister Princess Anne who attended in her role as Gold Stick in Waiting. As Colonel of The Blues and Royals, she wore her military uniform.

This isn't the first time Charles has opened Parliament. Back in 2022, Charles stepped in for his mother the Queen where he represented the monarch in his role as 'counsellor of state'.

By law, Counsellors of State include the Sovereign's spouse and the next four people in the line of succession who are over the age of 21.