State Opening of Parliament 1: 2002-2022

[ROYAL NORWAY]

This is ridiculous, and I should like to have known more about these sources he refers to.

Camilla would have preferred to miss the Queen's Speech by EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE | Daily Mail Online

 

[Jacknch]

This is ridiculous, and I should like to have known more about these sources he refers to.

Camilla would have preferred to miss the Queen's Speech by EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE | Daily Mail Online

Although Camilla takes her time getting in and out of the carriage and seems a bit unsteady when doing it, it's hardly a reason not to want to go. I'm also not sure whether the Queen would have asked William to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

 

[Queen Camilla]

Although Camilla takes her time getting in and out of the carriage and seems a bit unsteady when doing it, it's hardly a reason not to want to go. I'm also not sure whether the Queen would have asked William to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

Really the Queen wanted William and Charles and Camilla were last minute replacement.

The DM should give it up. Their obsession with William is getting out of hand.

Camilla has a new outfit specially made for the State Opening of Parliament and yet the DM thinks...sorry most of the DM staff doesn't think.

Camilla may have depth perception problems with her vision as she is always hesitant around most steps.

 

[Osipi]

With the way the Daily Mail has been on getting just about everything wrong, I'm surprised they were able to even spell Camilla's name right.

My thoughts were that with the history of back problems that Camilla has, it might be tricky getting in and out of the carriage. I know when my back acts up, simple things like getting out of the carriage are very uncomfortable.

 

[hernameispekka]

With the way the Daily Mail has been on getting just about everything wrong, I'm surprised they were able to even spell Camilla's name right.

My thoughts were that with the history of back problems that Camilla has, it might be tricky getting in and out of the carriage. I know when my back acts up, simple things like getting out of the carriage are very uncomfortable.

I agree. My mum has back problems so we can't have cars that are either high or low or she wont get in. Same, a house without stair is the only way for her. So I can really see how Camilla can have trouble getting out of that carriage.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Typical the DM (Daily Mess) to find the most idiotic opportunity to make up stories.

 

[Dman]

Although Camilla takes her time getting in and out of the carriage and seems a bit unsteady when doing it, it's hardly a reason not to want to go. I'm also not sure whether the Queen would have asked William to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

I'm sure William and Catherine would go if The Queen asked. I would find it right and beautiful to have the two most senior heirs attending the State Opening, along with their spouses.

I'm not sure Camilla would skip out on the event just because it's a bit tricky to enter and exit the carriages. If it ever was a problem for her, they could take a State Car. A little less regal, but yet still grand.

 

[tommy100]

Okay so because Camilla was hesitant getting out a coach/carriage in a long gown she didn't want to be there?

Couldn't is possibly be that wearing a long gown, high heels and having two very small steps to navigate down on a carriage that moves when you do requires a bit of thought and is best approached slowly and carefully?

To be fair the same DM article says David Cameron and Harriet Harman didn't chat whilst they walked to the House of Lords, take a look at the video of the event above, you can clearly see them talking as they leave the House of Commons chamber.

 

[Tiggersk8]

Okay so because Camilla was hesitant getting out a coach/carriage in a long gown she didn't want to be there?

Couldn't is possibly be that wearing a long gown, high heels and having two very small steps to navigate down on a carriage that moves when you do requires a bit of thought and is best approached slowly and carefully?

To be fair the same DM article says David Cameron and Harriet Harman didn't chat whilst they walked to the House of Lords, take a look at the video of the event above, you can clearly see them talking as they leave the House of Commons chamber.

Truthfully, I've always wondered how the Victorian ladies managed those things in those skirts.


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[Mbruno]

Although Camilla takes her time getting in and out of the carriage and seems a bit unsteady when doing it, it's hardly a reason not to want to go. I'm also not sure whether the Queen would have asked William to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

There's no way to tell if the DM story is true or not, but, to be fair, the Queen often sends mixed signals on who she would personally prefer to succeed her, i.e. her son or grandson. I wouldn't find it at all surprising if she wanted William to attend the State Opening of Parliament instead of Charles. The only reason why I think the story might not be true is that, if William had indeed been summoned by the Queen to attend, he probably could not have declined the invitation.

 

[VictoriaB]

There's no way to tell if the DM story is true or not, but, to be fair, the Queen often sends mixed signals on who she would personally prefer to succeed her, i.e. her son or grandson. I wouldn't find it at all surprising if she wanted William to attend the State Opening of Parliament instead of Charles. The only reason why I think the story might not be true is that, if William had indeed been summoned by the Queen to attend, he probably could not have declined the invitation.

I don't think she sends any mixed signals. She knows what the order of succession is and she knows that in the UK choice doesn't come into it. Unless he predeceases her, Charles will be the next King.

Really the Charles and Camilla haters should give it up. Charles will be the next King and William will just have to wait his turn.

 

[Mbruno]

I don't think she sends any mixed signals. She knows what the order of succession is and she knows that in the UK choice doesn't come into it. Unless he predeceases her, Charles will be the next King.

Really the Charles and Camilla haters should give it up. Charles will be the next King and William will just have to wait his turn.

The fact that Charles is the heir according to law (and the Queen can't do anything about it) does not necessarily preclude her from having a personal preference on who should be the next sovereign.

A similar situation happens in Sweden, where Victoria is the heir by law and King Carl Gustaf acknowledges it, but he would still personally prefer his son, Carl Philip, to be the heir instead. The difference is that CG doesn't really hide his feelings on that issue, whereas, as I wrote before, Queen Elizabeth II often sends "mixed signals". Personally, I don't see her as being very close to Charles, much less his wife.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

I can prove that Ephraim Hardcastle is lying as usual.

Camilla would have preferred to miss the Queen's Speech by EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE | Daily Mail Online

Charles and Camilla were a late addition to the Queen’s Speech programme.

The Monarch hoped to have Prince William there to show ‘the succession is secure’, but he declined the honour.

This is not true. Charles and Camilla have participated since 2013, and it has long been known that they were going to participate this year as well. And the line of succession is secure whether William and Kate are present or not.

My source says: ‘Camilla would have preferred to miss it, too, finding the steps into and out of the carriage a serious trial.

This is just nonsense, and if this had been the case, what about Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot and the Garter Service?

Camilla is almost 68 and she is wearing a long dress, but she manages the steps into and out of the carriage very well.

Those on the Glass Coach are easier than the Queen Alexandra State Coach ones, but Charles refuses to use it.

He recalls taking Diana to the State Opening in 1981, a few months after they married, in the Glass Coach, chosen so the public would get a better view of their new princess.’

Charles and Camilla have never used the Queen Alexandra State Coach, because it is used to transport the Imperial State Crown. They have used the Irish State Coach both in 2014 and 2015.

And Charles don't refuse to use the Glass Coach, but it is smaller and more uncomfortable to sit in. He and Camilla used it for their first State Opening of Parliament together in 2013. And the Queen used it for Trooping the Colour in 2012 and 2013.

 

[Chubb Fuddler]

I agree VictoriaB, the Queen is far too discreet to let her feelings be known, particularly when it comes to her family. Besides, what are these mixed signals the Queen often sends? I can't think of any.

The situation in Sweden was quite different. The King did not approve of the retroactive nature of the change in succession that saw the seven month old Crown Prince Carl Philip stripped of his, until then, legitimate position as heir apparent.

 

[Tho Hibbele]

As the law stands, there is no way Charles can be skipped. Even if he wanted to, there is no scenario in which he wouldn't become king, that doesn't involve him being dead or Catholic.
The law may be changed or he may choose to abdicate once he is king, but that's another story.


Gerard

 

[MARG]

There's no way to tell if the DM story is true or not, but, to be fair, the Queen often sends mixed signals on who she would personally prefer to succeed her, i.e. her son or grandson. I wouldn't find it at all surprising if she wanted William to attend the State Opening of Parliament instead of Charles. The only reason why I think the story might not be true is that, if William had indeed been summoned by the Queen to attend, he probably could not have declined the invitation.

Could you link some of those "mixed signals", please. I seemed to have overlooked them.

And yes, one does not say "can't be bothered" to the HM Queen Elizabeth II.

I don't think she sends any mixed signals. She knows what the order of succession is and she knows that in the UK choice doesn't come into it. Unless he predeceases her, Charles will be the next King.

Really the Charles and Camilla haters should give it up. Charles will be the next King and William will just have to wait his turn.

When it comes to the succession "issue" it seems the geography of the posters is quite relevant.

The fact that William seems to have given "the people" an unmistakably clear message about how much he wants to be king next, seems to have escaped an awful lot people.

The fact that Charles is the heir according to law (and the Queen can't do anything about it) does not necessarily preclude her from having a personal preference on who should be the next sovereign.

A similar situation happens in Sweden, where Victoria is the heir by law and King Carl Gustaf acknowledges it, but he would still personally prefer his son, Carl Philip, to be the heir instead. The difference is that CG doesn't really hide his feelings on that issue, whereas, as I wrote before, Queen Elizabeth II often sends "mixed signals". Personally, I don't see her as being very close to Charles, much less his wife.

Having addressed the mixed signals let's move on to her not being close to Charles or his wife. And you know this how? Reliable and reputable links would be appreciated.

ps: That does not include Celebitchy, perez hilton and other sites or blogs of that ilk.

Being in each other's presence is really uncomfortable, I particularly like HM's look of distaste.

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Queen+Elizabeth+II+Prince+Charles+2010+Braemar+vB2A315mSFSl.jpg

http://www.romania-insider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/prince-charles-and-the-queen.jpg

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/gc/18...gKIST5H6/5qI6B2hfgYEKkydz96Pb0f0ssFwvAFT1dA==

 

[VictoriaB]

And lets not forget the mixed signal given on the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee when, with Prince Philip in hospital, the Queen chose to sit at St Paul's with Charles & Camilla and then chose to ride back in a carriage sitting next to Camilla.

She could have sat alone or she could have ridden with William & Kate if she had wanted to (or with Sophie with whom she is said to be very close). She could have sat in the carriage next to Prince Charles rather than Camilla. She obviously didn't want to do so.


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[Chubb Fuddler]

There's also the GCVO the Queen gave the Duchess of Cornwall in 2012.

 

[tommy100]

As she attends as Gold Stick in Waiting has Anne attended every year since she took up that post? Whilst I've known she has been Gold Stick i've never really put that together with her attending the State Opening in the years when perhaps we've thought members of the RF (apart from the Queen and Philip) haven't been in attendance.

 

[Jacknch]

It is time to move the discussion back to the State Opening of Parliament and move away from speculation concerning the Queen's relationship with other members of the Royal Family and interpretations of vague and unsubstantiated "signals" that the Queen might or indeed might not give.

 

[US Royal Watcher]

I've said this before but it bears repeated: The people in the UK do pageantry well. I am also impressed by Prince Philip's energy. He is absolutely amazing.

 

[Spheno]

As she attends as Gold Stick in Waiting has Anne attended every year since she took up that post? Whilst I've known she has been Gold Stick i've never really put that together with her attending the State Opening in the years when perhaps we've thought members of the RF (apart from the Queen and Philip) haven't been in attendance.

Anne is not only Gold Stick. She attends every two years.

 

[Spheno]

[FONT=verdana, arial][FONT=verdana, arial]27 May 2015 Court Circular
[/FONT][/FONT]

BUCKINGHAM PALACE: The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, travelled in State to the Palace of Westminster today to open the Session of Parliament.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness drove in a Carriage Procession, escorted by a Sovereign's Escort of The Household Cavalry, under the command of Major Warren Douglas, The Life Guards, and were received at the Sovereign's Entrance by the Earl Marshal and the Lord Great Chamberlain.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall drove in a Carriage Procession, escorted by a Travelling Escort of the Household Cavalry, under the command of Major Simon Lukas, The Blues and Royals.

Guards of Honour were mounted at Buckingham Palace by The Queen's Guard found by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, under the command of Captain Andrew Dunlop and at the Palace of Westminster by 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, under the command of Major Andrew Seddon.

A staircase party of The Household Cavalry was on duty at Victoria Tower, House of Lords, under the command of Captain Harry Boyt.

Royal Salutes were fired in Green Park by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, under the command of Major Robert Skeggs, and from the Tower of London Saluting Battery by the Honourable Artillery Company, under the command of Major David Daniel.

The Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State were conveyed previously to the House of Lords in a Carriage Procession, escorted by a Regalia Escort of the Household Cavalry.

Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms was on duty in the Prince's Chamber and the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.

The Queen's Bargemaster and Watermen were on duty.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Household and the Pages of Honour to The Queen (Hugo Bertie, Lachlan Legge-Bourke, Marquess of Lorne and the Hon. Augustus Stanhope) were in attendance at the Palace of Westminster.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness returned to Buckingham Palace and were received by the Lord Chamberlain and the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE: The Princess Royal, Gold Stick, was present today at the opening of the Session of Parliament by The Queen.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

I've said this before but it bears repeated: The people in the UK do pageantry well. I am also impressed by Prince Philip's energy. He is absolutely amazing.

On pictures it looks better than on TV. I have seen members of the House of Commons in their often ill-fitting, wrinkled , cheap-looking greasy daily suits, with total desinterest and no feeling for decorum, walking and chatting and busy with their mobile, going to the House of Lords, like the Queen's Speech is something between the soup and the potatoes.

I have even seen members of the House of Lords not even dressed properly to go with the red cloak with white fur. Look at how these Peers and Peeresses are awaiting the Queen... Not even doing the effort to dress properly. So yes, the main persons (the royals) and their cortège: awesome. When not focused on them, hmmmmm... the expected spic-and-span execution of protocol and pageantry leaves lots improvement.

This is how the British Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House listened to the Queen's Speech, some around them even wear their plastic badges, no effort to look smart. At the other side of the North Sea, Cameron's colleagues do change clothes for the King's Speech: wearing a jacquet (morning dress), ladies with hats...

Also in republics the pageantry can be surprisingly glittering. Monsieur le Président de la République française with his escorte, Signor Presidente on his way to the Palazzo Qurinale. The average US news consumer only sees UK news but the grandeur in other European capitals is also outstanding, on similar days.

 

[MARG]

I've said this before but it bears repeated: The people in the UK do pageantry well. I am also impressed by Prince Philip's energy. He is absolutely amazing.

Yes and yes! I was delighted by the sprightly way he exited the carriage and then handed his lovely wife down. That was just so Prince Philip.

Because Prince Philip is the consort, he alights first, so waiting to assist HM is both courteous and easy. Not so easy when Camilla alights because she's on her own!

I think the doorman/page/whatever should be instantly waiting to assist Camilla from the carriage as we know the steps and the carriage itself move and just to add another "degree of difficulty", unlike Ascot, TOC, etc. she is wearing a full-length Court Dress and trying to hold it up so as not to get tangled. Camilla would certainly benefit from a helping hand!

 

[Rudolph]

With regards to William attending, Charles has previously accompanied the Queen only 13 times as heir but up until last year he hasn't' gone since 1996.

Much ado about nothing ( as per usual with the DM)

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

With regards to William attending, Charles has previously accompanied the Queen only 13 times as heir but up until last year he hasn't' gone since 1996.

Much ado about nothing ( as per usual with the DM)

You're right, but Charles and Camilla have attended together since 2013. Huw Edwards said it was the second time.

 

[Dman]

Camilla looked absolutely stunning in her court dress.

I guess William and Catherine will start attending the State Opening soon or will start attending during Charles's first Opening and so forth.

 

[hernameispekka]

Camilla looked absolutely stunning in her court dress.

I guess William and Catherine will start attending the State Opening soon or will start attending during Charles's first Opening and so forth.

I think it will wait until Charles is on the throne so not to take focus of the queen.

 

[Mbruno]

Also in republics the pageantry can be surprisingly glittering. Monsieur le Président de la République française with his escorte, Signor Presidente on his way to the Palazzo Qurinale. The average US news consumer only sees UK news but the grandeur in other European capitals is also outstanding, on similar days.

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you on that one. Nowhere else in Europe does a monarch or president wear anything like the Imperial State Crown with full royal regalia to open a session of parliament.

BTW I've repeatedly said before in these forums that I find the British state opening of parliament old-fashioned and unnecessary and have expressed my opinion that something akin to the Dutch protocol would make more sense in the modern world (ditto for the coronation). Of course, I have been criticized by the British/Commonwealth posters (and some non-Brits as well) for having that opinion.