Queen Camilla and King Charles at the exit the Palace of Westminster following the State Opening of Parliament on November 7.Photo:Victoria Jones/WPA Pool/Getty
Victoria Jones/WPA Pool/Getty
Queen Camillais a pro at royal protocol — and gracefully saved a near mistake at the State Opening of Parliament.
On Tuesday, the 76-year-old Queen joinedKing Charlesat the House of Lords Chamber at the Palace of Westminster to kick off the start of the parliamentary year. The State Opening of Parliament was extra special as the first of King Charles’ reign — and being new to the ceremony meant extra attention was paid to make sure they followed the rules.
“My Lords, pray be seated,” the King said, and the gathered officials took their seats too.
As consort, Queen Camilla sat to King Charles’ left, taking the same spot thatPrince Philipdid whenQueen Elizabethhelmed the State Opening of Parliament through her royal reign. The Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021, opted to do things his own way (intypical style!) at what would be the last State Opening of Parliament he attended.
The monarch traditionally leads the way at ceremonial events, and King Charles was crowned before Queen Camilla on theMay 6 coronationday.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the State Opening of Parliament in 2016.Alastair Grant/Pool/AFP via Getty
Alastair Grant/Pool/AFP via Getty
Similarly, partners of those in the line of succession often let their spouses take the lead. While visiting Scotland last week,Kate Middletonintroduced herselfto schoolchildren in a surprising way: asPrince William’s wife.
“Who am I? I’m married to William,” Kate explained and pointed to her left, though William wasn’t seen on screen.
Kate Middleton in Scotland on Nov. 2.Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Princess Kate’s answer highlighted her supportive role to Prince William, who is the current heir to the throne and set to be king one day.
“She’s never trying to outshine him in any way,” royal biographer Penny Junorpreviously told PEOPLEabout the couple’s dynamic. “I think that Kate is a bit like Prince Philip supporting the Queen. She doesn’t outshine William but still has a lot to say herself.”
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Because Queen Elizabeth was the monarch and gave the Queen’s Speech instead, the address was the first King’s Speech in over 70 years, since the reign of Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI.
Charles memorably stepped in for Queen Elizabeth at the State Opening of Parliament in May 2022. Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen, who died in September 2022 at age 96, wouldmiss the event due to “episodic mobility problems.“For the first time,Charles represented his motherand read the Queen’s Speech.
During the 11-minute address, which outlined the administration’s objectives, the then-Prince Charles used the often repeated phrase “Her Majesty’s government” instead of “My government,” which is what Queen Elizabeth would have used if she had delivered the speech. On Tuesday, he used the phrases “my government” and “my ministers.”
source: people.com
