The King Gives His Speech

King Charles III laid out on Wednesday the British government's legislative program for the coming year or so, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer fought to remain in power amid rising discontent within his Labour Party. In a speech to lawmakers laced with all the pomp that accompanies the ceremonial opening of Parliament, the king said the UK's economy, energy, and national security would be tested as it deals with the fallout from the wars in Iran and Ukraine. Planned measures include controlling the cost of living, strengthening ties with the European Union, and making it easier to build new energy infrastructure, reports the AP.

Pledging action on antisemitism following a run of attacks on the Jewish community in recent months, King Charles said the government would "defend the British values" of decency and tolerance. The question is whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be around to implement the measures in the speech and, even if he remains in post, whether he will have the authority to push his proposals through. The embattled prime minister has been urged to set a timetable for his departure by more than a fifth of the Labour Party's lawmakers in the House of Commons. Some junior ministers have quit the government in protest, but no one has yet challenged Starmer directly.

The King's Speech represents Starmer's latest effort to save his premiership after Labour suffered huge losses in local and regional elections last week. The speech, which is written by the government, merges the historic power and grandeur of Britain with the reality of the modern United Kingdom, a mid-sized country with an underfunded military, rising debt, and waning international influence. The speech is the focal point of a day of ceremony and tradition that has been followed since 1852, with elements of the program dating to the 16th century. The state opening of Parliament uses carefully choreographed pageantry to showcase Britain's evolution from an absolute monarchy to a parliamentary democracy where real power is vested in the elected House of Commons.

The king, who made the short journey from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament in a horse-drawn carriage, also said the government will "defend the British values of decency, tolerance and respect for difference under our common flag." During his speech, which he delivered seated next to Queen Camilla, the king donned the Imperial State Crown and robe of state. Once they were seated, a Lords official called Black Rod, named for the ebony rod he or she carries, went to the House of Commons to summon the chamber's members. The doors to the Commons chamber were slammed in Black Rod's face to symbolize the chamber's independence from the monarchy, and they aren't opened until Black Rod strikes the doors three times. Once members of the Commons crowded into the Lords' chamber, the king delivered the speech. After the speech was read, the royal couple left and the two houses of Parliament began several days of debate on its contents.