The band and an honour guard from the Coldstream Guards at the State Opening of Parliament (Picture: Guy Bell/Alamy Live News).

Royals

Prince Charles delivers Queen's Speech at State Opening of Parliament

The band and an honour guard from the Coldstream Guards at the State Opening of Parliament (Picture: Guy Bell/Alamy Live News).

The Prince of Wales has made history in opening the new session of Parliament alongside the Duke of Cambridge, offering a glimpse of his future role as head of state.

The Queen missed the event for the first time in almost 60 years following advice from Royal doctors relating to mobility issues.

In Her Majesty’s absence, the heir to the throne and his son provided a sense of continuity amid the pomp and ceremony, with the Queen’s Speech being read by Prince Charles a highly symbolic occasion.

Armed Forces personnel arrive on Horse Guards Parade for the State Opening of Parliament — Armed Forces personnel have performed a new style of ceremony for this year’s State Opening of Parliament.

Armed Forces personnel arriving at Horse Guards Parade ahead of the State Opening of Parliament — Members of the military arrived at Horse Guards Parade ahead of the State Opening of Parliament.

His Royal Majesty Prince Charles leaving the Opening of State Parliment today with Camilla The Duchess of Cornwall — Prince Charles travelled down The Mall and across Horse Guards Parade before arriving at the Houses of Parliament (Picture: MOD).

The Crown Regalia during the arrival at the Opening of State Parliment today — The Prince of Wales was accompanied by the Crown Regalia as he represented the Queen, who pulled out at the last minute at the advice of her doctors (Picture: MOD).

Armed Forces personnel march through Westminster following the State Opening of Parliament — After Prince Charles had delivered the Queen's Speech on Her Majesty's behalf, military personnel marched back through Westminster.

Armed Forces personnel arrive on Horse Guards Parade for the State Opening of Parliament

Armed Forces personnel arriving at Horse Guards Parade ahead of the State Opening of Parliament

His Royal Majesty Prince Charles leaving the Opening of State Parliment today with Camilla The Duchess of Cornwall

The Crown Regalia during the arrival at the Opening of State Parliment today

Armed Forces personnel march through Westminster following the State Opening of Parliament

In Pictures: State Opening of Parliament.

The ceremony featured fewer troops than previous years, but still maintained its military grandeur.

WatchUsOn

How to hunt Russian submarines👀

WW2 in focus - 'Real' Battle of Britain photos created in 2025

RAF v Navy LIVE | 2025 men’s Inter Services rugby league

WatchUsOn

How to hunt Russian submarines👀

WW2 in focus - 'Real' Battle of Britain photos created in 2025

RAF v Navy LIVE | 2025 men’s Inter Services rugby league