Queen Elizabeth delivers speech at State Opening of Parliament

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The State Opening of Parliament commenced on May 11 which is typically wrapped in ceremony and tradition which dates back hundreds of years. But the event was scaled down due to coronavirus restrictions meaning there were fewer attendees present and fewer formalities carried out. The Queen herself was noticeably less regal in her attire as she appeared to be toning down her dresses – but many noticed a distinct part of her outfit was missing to which royal experts gladly answered. 

Speaking on ITV’s Royal Rota podcast, Royal Editor Chris Ship was joined by producer Lizzie Robinson as they looked at the Queen’s appearance in parliament. 

The pair noted that her crown was not worn during the ceremony with Ms Robinson clarifying why. 

The crown was carried by car and was placed on a pillow on the backseat as it was carried to parliament for the opening. 

Ms Robinson revealed the missing crown was not due to Covid but was a decision made back in 2016 by the Queen who no longer wished to wear it due to its immense weight. 

The Imperial State Crown is often worn for coronations and the State Opening of Parliament but the Queen did not want to wear the heavily jewelled hat. 

The crown is over a kilo in weight and the current iteration of it was created in 1937. 

The Queen now either opts for a regular hat or a diadem to wear at state openings. 

Pomp and ceremony had to be scaled back following the pandemic as the monarch travelled to parliament by car rather than by carriage.

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Royal fans noticed the Queen gave a tribute to Prince Philip during the ceremony as she was seen wearing the same dress she wore in a photograph with her husband marking his 99th birthday.

Those attending the opening had to supply a negative Covid test and had to wear face masks throughout. 

Only 108 people were in attendance for the ceremony – including the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla. 

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The State Opening of Parliament is also a chance for the current government to set out its plans for the session by writing the Queen’s speech.

Typically the speech lasts for around ten minutes and this year’s speech focused on “levelling up”, housing, education and the fixed term parliament act. 

Several news outlets had to publish clarifications on the Queen’s speech when people – especially those not familiar with UK politics – assumed it was the Queen who wrote and set out the Government’s agenda personally. 

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