King Charles III inaugurated the parliamentary session by presiding over the State Opening of Parliament on November 7, 2023, at the Houses of Parliament. Queen Camilla accompanied him in this time-honored event, signifying the commencement of the legislative year that defines the government’s agenda for the session. The King delivered the King’s Speech as part of the ceremony.
During the ceremony, King Charles donned the Imperial State Crown, while Queen Camilla, for her inaugural State Opening as a Queen, opted to elegantly recycle her coronation gown. She accessorized with the Diamond Diadem, also referred to as the George IV State Diadem, a regal headpiece originally created for King George IV’s coronation in 1820. This diadem has adorned the heads of every British queen since King George IV, be they reigning monarchs or consorts.
