HOUSE OF LORDS - United Kingdom Parliament

presence of the Sovereign. This was done during the reign of George I
and in the later years of Queen Victoria.
The Queen then retires. The Commons withdraw, bowing once.
By Royal Commission
If the Queen is not present, there is no State Opening. The Queen’s
Speech is delivered by the Lord Chancellor, or by one of the other Lords
Commissioners, by virtue of the Royal Commission for opening
Parliament.
At the hour appointed, usually in the morning, the Lords
Commissioners enter the Chamber, and the Commons are summoned
(see appendix C pages 239–240).
The Lord Chancellor says:
“My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
We are commanded to deliver to you Her Majesty’s Speech in Her
Majesty’s own words.”
The Lord Chancellor, remaining seated and with his hat on, then
delivers the Speech.
Then the Commons and the Commissioners depart (see appendix C
page 240).
A further opportunity may then be given for Lords to take the oath.
The Lord Speaker, in this case, takes her seat on the Woolsack and
prayers are read. After the Lords present have taken the oath, or at a
time previously fixed, the House is adjourned during pleasure until the
time fixed for the meeting in the afternoon.
SUBSEQUENT SESSIONS
By the Queen in Person
If the Queen opens subsequent sessions in person, the ceremony is
similar to that described above for the delivery of the Queen’s Speech at
the beginning of a new Parliament.
By Royal Commission
When the Queen is not present, her functions are performed by Lords
Commissioners.
The Lords Commissioners enter the Chamber, and the Commons are
summoned (see appendix C, pages 239–240).
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