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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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State Opening of Parliament
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The ceremony which begins each session of *parliament, taking place immediately after a *general election and then each subsequent autumn, usually in late October or early November. After processing in a coach from *Buckingham Palace to Westminster, the monarch is accompanied by heralds and other dignitaries into a crowded House of *Lords. *Black Rod then summons the Commons to join the Lords in hearing the Queen's (or King's) Speech, also known as the Speech from the Throne.
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The Commons traditionally make a point of arriving in the upper house ambling and chatting, to emphasize that they are not overawed. Although read out by the sovereign, the speech is provided by the *cabinet; it outlines the government's proposed legislation for the coming session.
In a tradition going back to 1605 and the *Gunpowder Plot, the House of Lords and its cellars are ceremonially searched by the *Yeomen of the Guard before the state opening takes place.
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