State Opening of Parliament: A Fascinating Show of British Pomp and Pageantry

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Her role as head of state may be technically ceremonial, but Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is still required to preside over a political event crucial to the well-being of her nation.

The State Opening of Parliament is the formal start of the governmental year, taking place in either May or June inside the House of Lords chamber.

Her Majesty delivers the #QueensSpeech during the State Opening of @UKParliament, in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London. Photo courtesy of Press Association

A photo posted by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on May 18, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

The State Opening of Parliament is the formal start of the governmental year, taking place in either May or June inside the House of Lords chamber.

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The Queen, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the ermine and velvet-lined Parliament robe (also known as Robe of the State) reads a speech outlined by the government to set the session’s agenda.

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The crown is normally housed at the Tower of London with other crown jewels, as it is the property of the United Kingdom.

If anything from the collection is ever missing from the Tower exhibit, that means it’s either in use…or it’s been stolen.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh return through the Royal Gallery following the State Opening of Parliament, in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London. The Duke of has accompanied Her Majesty at all but nine occasions she has opened @UKParliament #HM90Facts Follow us on Twitter at “RoyalFamily” for more facts on Her Majesty as we approach her official Birthday in June. Photo courtesy of Press Association

A photo posted by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on May 18, 2016 at 5:40am PDT

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According to the British Monarchy’s website, the crown weighs two pounds, and features 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.

The Imperial State Crown, which will be worn by The Queen during today’s #StateOpening of @UKParliament. This morning The Queen will formally open Parliament and deliver the #QueensSpeech; it will be the 63rd occasion on which The Queen has opened Parliament.

A photo posted by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on May 18, 2016 at 2:39am PDT

The gemstones include the Second Star of Africa, the second largest cut stone from the Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever found.  It was mined from South Africa and gifted to Edward VII in 1907, according to the Royal Collection.

A closeup of The Imperial State Crown – which was originally made for Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1838. It incorporates many gemstones, including the diamond known as the Second Star of Africa, the Black Prince’s Ruby, the Stuart Sapphire, St Edward’s Sapphire and Queen Elizabeth’s Pearls.

A photo posted by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on May 18, 2016 at 2:43am PDT

The crown is delivered on a pillow to the Palace of Westminster in its own state coach ahead of Her Majesty’s arrival, who rides over from Buckingham Palace with the Duke of Edinburgh in the Jubilee State Coach.

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Today Her Majesty donned the George IV diadem (set with over 1300 diamonds) and a white gown by Angela Kelly.

The diadem features four bouquets of rose, shamrock and thistle to represent England, Ireland and Scotland, respectively.

Once inside, Her Majesty changes headware and drapes the robe over her dress.

The Queen selects jewelry significant for the occasion, as it’s one of the most awe-inspring and historical events on the royal calendar, dating back to the 1500s.

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Today, the Queen adorned her ears with Queen Victoria’s pearl drop earrings,complemented by the Diamond Jubilee necklace.

In the past, she’s worn Queen Victoria’s coronation jewels.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall joined Her Majesty and Prince Philip.  Camilla wore the Queen Mother’s Greville tiara for the occasion with a beautiful white satin dress.

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Downton Abbey‘s Jim Carter and his wife, Imelda Staunton were among the civilians present to watch the opening, an historic feast for the eyes.

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If you’re still not entirely sure what the State Opening of Parliament is, The Telegraph explains it in a short, easy-to-understand video (watch below).