Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The first event of the State Opening of Parliament is a ceremonial search of the cellars before the King’s arrival.
The search dates back over 420 years to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Today, the search begins in the Prince’s Chamber before moving into the chamber of the House of Lords.
The Yeomen of the Guard is the monarch’s bodyguard, who are the country’s oldest military force. They are led in the procession by a member of parliamentary staff carrying a key to the cellars.
State Opening is the start of UK Parliament’s working year and the only time the three constituent parts of Parliament – the monarch, House of Lords and UK House of Commons – regularly meet. The King’s Speech in the Lords chamber sets out the upcoming agenda of the government.
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