Tomorrow, Queen Elizabeth II will make her speech at the State Opening of Parliament – the formal start to the parliamentary session. During the speech, written for her by the Prime Minister and his team, the Queen will outline laws the Government wishes to bring to the floor in the presence of MPs and dignitaries from the House of Lords. The State Opening is an elaborate ceremony showcasing British history, culture and contemporary politics to large crowds and television viewers.

It is the one day in the year when Members of the Lords wear red parliamentary robes, as every other day they dress in normal day clothes.

The Clerk of the House, John Bercow and other parliamentary staff will also wear traditional uniforms.

A Freedom of Information request issued to the House of Commons by Express.co.uk, dated October 2019, revealed that for tomorrow’s ceremonial event, British taxpayers had to spend thousands of pounds.

Since January 30, 2018, £11,514 was spent on traditional official uniforms and garments.

The renovation of four badges for Senior Doorkeepers cost £450, while Associate Sergeants spent £137 on three wigbags.

Assistant Clerks at the table got three new bow ties for the price of £270, and uniforms for ten Senior Doorkeepers cost £3,530.

A spokesman for the House of Commons told Express.co.uk: “The only expenditure not included in these disclosures is a set of court dress which will be hired for the Clerk of the House at the next State Opening of Parliament.

“This will cost £195 exclusive of VAT.”

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The latest figure brings the total expenditure on ceremonial uniforms and garments to a whopping £11,704.

When asked to defend the expense, the House of Commons declined to comment. 

However, the Commons note the importance of ceremonial garments.

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A spokesman told Express.co.uk: “The House of Commons provides traditional dress for more than 50 members of staff who are involved in ceremonial aspects of Parliamentary business throughout the year. 

“We continue to ensure costs are as low as possible by mending when required, and replacing only where absolutely necessary.”

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