All the quirky and unusual traditions during King’s Speech

King Charles is set to unveil the government’s new agenda as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces threats to his leadership.

While the King’s Speech will be read – as the name suggests – by King Charles, it is actually written by the sitting government and is delivered at the start of a parliamentary session each year.

It’s the government’s chance to outline its proposed policies and legislation for the upcoming year.

While it will outline planned bills, some might not become law, and bills not included in the speech can also be passed by the government later.

There is always a bit of pomp and pageantry involved in the affair as the House of Commons, House of Lords and the monarch are all brought together.

What time is the King’s speech?

King Charles will speak at around 11.30am, arriving after a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.

As is always the case with the royals, the monarch’s remarks will remain politically neutral, but will outline the government’s priorities for the next year.

Despite the chaos surrounding Starmer’s leadership in recent days, the King has confirmed the speech will go ahead.

Bizarre traditions

The King’s Speech features some pretty unique ceremonial traditions, some of which date back to the 16th century.

Before King Charles arrives in Westminster, the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars of the palace for bombs in reference to Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot in 1605.

Another odd tradition sees a parliamentary official, called Black Rod, have the door of the Commons slammed in their face.

To be let back in, they must knock three times with the rod – representing the right of Commons to exclude royal messengers.

This is because in 1642, King Charles I tried to arrest five MPs while Parliament was in session.

Lastly, one MP – normally the vice-chamberlain, currently Sir Nic Dakin MP – is ceremonially ‘held hostage’ in Buckingham Palace during the speech, to make sure he returns safely.

Whatis Charles expected to say?

King Charles’ speech will set out around 35 bills and draft bills, covering matters ranging from the economy to energy.

They include laws to restore order and ‘control’ to the immigration system, strengthen public services, and reform the government.

New legislation is expected restricting the application of article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) – which protects the right to family life – in some asylum cases.

As outlined in a speech by Keir Starmer on Monday, the government will also introduce legislation to allow British steel to be nationalised, subject to a public interest test.

Measures to bring down the cost of living are also expected.

Ahead of the speech, Starmer said: ‘The British people expect the government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better.

‘Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.

‘Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past.’

In their first King’s speech since retaking power in 2024 last year, labor announced sweeping changes, including confirmation of VAT on private school fees and plans to build 1.5 million new homes.

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