Queen carries out first major royal duty since the death of Prince Phillip.

The Queen has carried out first major royal duty since the death the Duke of Edinburgh, as she attended the state opening of the parliament.

This event is known for pomp and pageantry but was pared back this year because of the pandemic.

There were of course precautions taken due to Covid. MPs and member of parliament were required to wear masks throughout unless exception. Also everyone present took a Covid test beforehand.

No diplomatic or non-parliamentary guest was invited. Hence 108 people attended rather than the norm of 600 people. Few politicians and peers attended with only 74 people in the chamber.

There were 17 members of the Lords and 17 of Royal Gallery. However, the Lord chancellor Robert Buckland did not hand the speech directly to the queen but instead put it on the table.

There were also no military liners of the sovereign’s staircase. There was no military band of Honour outside the palace Westminster.

However the ancient tradition of the Black Rod still took place.

Moreover those who were present maintained social distance.

This was the first monarch official appearance in public and her first engagement outside Windsor castle since the death of her husband on 9 April, aged 99.

Her son, Charles had accompanied the queen for the event. Charles has been at his mother’s side for the last three occasions – after his father Phillip fell ill with an infection , two months before he retired his public duties. Normally Prince Phillip spent decades accompanying the monarch to the event.

However, queen has been continuing her official duties, including taking part in virtual events since a two week period of royal mourning ended.

What Queen’s speech contains.

Also the Queen was joined by The prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall for the state opening. Monarch marked the beginning of parliamentary session by delivering the Queen’s speech. The speech set out the government legislative plans.

@sambazanews.com