Anglophile Alert: The State Opening of Parliament is Tomorrow December 3rd
December 2, 2008 by jonathan
Filed under Anglophile Alerts, Anglophilia, British Empire, Britishness, England, History, London, Politics, Prime Minister, The Queen
I just found out about this today, the State Opening of the British Parliament is tomorrow, December 3rd. It always seems to sneak up on me!
What’s the State Opening of Parliament? I’ll let the Parliament’s website explain it:
The State Opening usually takes place in November or December on the first day of the new parliamentary session. There will also be a State Opening shortly after a general election.
The Queen’s Speech is delivered by the Queen from the Throne in the House of Lords. The speech is given in the presence of Members of both Houses, the Commons being summoned to hear the speech by an official known as Black Rod.
In a symbol of the Commons’ independence, the door to their Chamber is slammed in his face and not opened until he has knocked on the door with his staff of office. Although the speech is made by the Queen, the content of the speech is entirely drawn up by the Government and approved by the Cabinet.
Following the State Opening the Government’s programme, as presented in the Queen’s Speech, is debated by both Houses.
Basically, a morning of classic British pomp and circumstance that is quite a spectacle to behold. It’s a ton of fun to watch.
If you’re in America, where can you watch the State Opening of Parliament?
C-SPAN always comes to the rescue of Anglophiles and they air it live, then repeat it later in the day. It airs on C-SPAN 1 tomorrow at 5:30 AM in the morning, eastern time.
They usually just broadcast the live BBC feed, so you’ll get all the BBC commentary and whatnot. Enjoy!
Author Info - Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile with an obsession for Britain that borders on psychosis. He keeps Anglotopia running in his spare time, always dreaming of his next trip to England, wishing he lived there - specifically Dorset - and is always trying to figure out a way to move to England. It will happen one day. Keep up with him on Twitter here. Read more from this author
