In pictures: The Queen's Speech
- Published
On guard: Members of The Queen's Guard march down the The Mall in central London as politicians gather in Parliament awaiting the arrival of the head of state.
Pageantry: Guy Fawkes may be long dead but the Yeomen of the Guard still search Westminster before the speech.
Political big beasts from the past - as well as the present - await the Queen's arrival. Former Liberal leader Lord Steel and his fellow peers will debate the speech for four days.
Security is tight around Westminster. Inside the Queen said in her speech the government would "continue to reduce crime and protect national security".
Royal occasion: Members of both houses sit alongside judges, ambassadors and high commissioners. It is a day to bring out the ceremonial outfits.
The Queen's carriage is traditionally escorted to Parliament by the Household Cavalry.
The Queen traditionally arrives via the Sovereign's entrance. But the door to the Commons is shut in the face of her representative in Parliament - symbolising MPs' independence from the monarch.
Rivalry: Party leaders more used to verbal jousting rub shoulders as MPs from all sides pack into the Lords chamber.
The Queen has been taking her seat on the throne for the State Opening of Parliament since 1952. She has missed only two: in 1959 and in 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The heir to the throne has not been seen at the State Opening of Parliament since 1996. The Prince of Wales was joined for the first time by the Duchess of Cornwall.