La Reyne le Veult: The Making and Keeping of Acts at Westminster
M.F. Bond recounts the historical and legislative passage of an Act of Parliament.
One of the great events in our social and political calendar is the Opening of Parliament. Then the Sovereign drives ceremonially through the streets of London to her Palace of Westminster, to be met at the foot of the Victoria Tower by the Lord Chancellor, the Earl Marshal, the Lord Great Chamberlain and other dignitaries.
After assuming the parliamentary robes and the Imperial Crown, she walks in procession to the Parliament Chamber, preceded by Peers who bear the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State.
Seated on the Throne the Queen then makes to the assembly of robed Peers and Judges, with the members of her faithful Commons standing at the Bar of the House, and the Ambassadors and Peeresses seated in the Chamber, as guests of the day, the Speech which outlines the business to be transacted by Parliament in the coming session.
It is a glittering occasion; its importance and brilliance are enhanced by its uniqueness, for at no other time in the year does the Sovereign nowadays participate in the business of Parliament.
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