Queen Elizabeth breaks tradition with first major public engagement since Prince Philip’s death
Queen Elizabeth II is getting back into the royal routine following last month’s death of her husband.
Her Majesty unveiled the British government’s plans for the year during her first official event since the passing of Prince Philip.
While the Queen traditionally opens Parliament by reading a speech written by the government, it was the first time she has done it without her spouse of 73 years, who died on April 9 aged 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh spent decades accompanying the Queen to the State Opening of Parliament.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, Monday’s ceremony was somewhat stripped down.
According to published reports, the 95-year-old British monarch wore a day dress instead of the usual robes and crown as she read out the bills the government hopes to pass during the next year. Members of Parliament and the House of Lords were required to wear a mask unless they had an exemption, and everyone took COVID-19 tests beforehand. The Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland, placed the speech on a table instead of handing it directly to the Queen.
In a speech written for her by the government, the Queen presented Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s agenda to tackle inequality and “level up” the country. Job creation, health care and stripping back post-Brexit bureaucracy were included in the plans.
The Queen was accompanied by Prince Charles and his wife, Duchess Camilla.
The Duke of Cornwall had been at his mother’s side on previous formal occasions while Prince Philip was ill.
In another break from the usual tradition, the royal party traveled from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in cars, rather than carriages.
