Military Pomp & Ceremony Reduced At The Queen's Speech

The State Opening of Parliament is usually one of the highlights of London’s ceremonial calendar.

Representatives from all elements of the Army’s Household Division and members of the Armed Forces line the streets of the capital and escort Her Majesty The Queen’s procession from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords, as thousands of onlookers cheer and wave Union Flags hoping to catch a glimpse of royalty.

However, following the snap general election, today's State Opening will look a little different and lack much of the military involvement.

The Queen's traditional Imperial state crown and ceremonial robes will remain in the wardrobe and replaced with a day dress and hat.

The spectacular carriage ride to and from the Palace of Westminster carrying the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh has been replaced with an "everyday car journey".

Even the Queen's procession to the Chamber of the House of Lords, where she takes the throne and delivers her Government's speech, will be reduced.

The speech and the vote that follows is shaping up to be one of the most keenly anticipated in modern times - so why won't it come with the usual pomp and ceremony?

What is a procession without heralds? What is a journey to the House of Lords without a gold carriage? What is a Queen's speech without a crown?

These changes reflect real logistical concerns, rather than the current political situation or one's dislike of gold.

This is an exceptionally busy period for military personnel in the capital.

Trooping the Colour took place to mark the Queen's birthday on Saturday, and troops were deployed on Operation Temperer to protect key sites in London.

However, there will be two 41 gun salutes fired by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery as the Queen arrives the House of Lords.

When she leaves the Honourable Artillery Company, which is part of the Army Reserve and the Army's oldest regiment, will fire a further 41 gun salute at the Tower of London.

The last time the ceremonial elements of a State Opening of Parliament were reduced by a similar scale was in March 1974, after the Labour leader Harold Wilson defeated Conservative Edward Heath.

Military units taking part this year are The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, the Honourable Artillery Company, The Royal Artillery Band, and the Band of the Coldstream Guards, with 10 Signal Regiment in support.