Queen Elizabeth II risked getting dragged into politics earlier this year amid fears she was the only one with the power to break the Brexit deadlock. As Head of State the Queen must remain politically neutral but plays an important ceremonial role. She gave a Queen’s Speech at the last State Opening of Parliament on October 14 and is due to make another one on Thursday (December 12) now Boris Johnson has been returned to power.

This week’s State Opening of Parliament will be markedly different from the last which a huge ceremonial operation.

In October the Queen and Regalia of State travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster in a gold horse-drawn coach.

The short time between this next state opening and the last means a pared-back version will take place on December 12.

Reduced state openings have happened just twice before in the Queen’s reign the last time being on June 21, 2017.

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In 2017 no horse-drawn carriages were used and the Queen and the Regalia of State were transported by cars instead.

The Queen wore a day dress and a hat, rather than the ceremonial robes and there was a reduced royal procession.

In March 1974 a similar thing happened when the ceremonial elements at the State Opening of Parliament were reduced.

The state opening of Parliament on December 12 is expected to follow a similar pattern to that of 2017 and will mark a historic third time the Queen has delivered her speech in such circumstances.

What is the Queen’s speech?

Following a general election, the Queen is responsible for the next State Opening of Parliament when a new government is formed.

The speech is written by the Government and read by the Queen in the House of Lords Chamber.

The address outlines the Government’s programme of legislation and policies for the coming year.

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As Head of State, the Queen holds weekly meetings with the Prime Minister and her constitutional role means Parliament cannot return to work until she has delivered her Speech.

While there were fears a hung parliament could put the Queen’s Christmas plans on hold, the Tory majority will mean she is able to travel to Sandringham as usual.

The Queen usually leaves London to travel to Norfolk by train a few days before Christmas.

Royal family members join the Queen at her Sandringham home on Christmas Day and they usually attend church together.

The Queen delivers another special address on Christmas Day every year.

The speech is written by the Queen herself and is filmed in Buckingham Palace ahead of being broadcast on Christmas Day.

Following a turbulent year for the British royal family, there is lots of speculation about what topics the speech may address.

While it is understood she will make no direct mention of Prince Andrew following his withdrawal from his royal role, she may allude to wider themes of unity.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “Andrew will not be referred to directly.

“Whether the theme includes togetherness with the nation so divided remains to be seen but it is pretty certain.

“The Queen often refers to highlights of the royal year and Archie’s birth will be noted I am sure but she tends to concentrate on the wider picture and with the election so recent that may be the focus in a season of thanksgiving.

“She has strong religious faith and this will undoubtedly be the basis of the Message as usual.”

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