Prince Charles , Delivers <br />Queen's Speech <br />Opening Parliament, For 1st Time.<br />Prince Charles , Delivers <br />Queen's Speech <br />Opening Parliament, For 1st Time.<br />Prince Charles, 73, is the heir to the British throne.<br />He was joined at the ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament by Prince William.<br />Queen Elizabeth, 96, has overseen the ceremony for more than 60 years.<br />She was unable to attend for just the third time during her reign due to a reported decrease in mobility.<br />There was confusion as to whether or not Charles would either sit in the ceremonial throne in the Chamber of the House of Lords.<br />... or if he would stand near it.<br />Prince Charles sat in the throne to the surprise of many in the House of Lords. .<br />He sat next to The Imperial State Crown and began the recitation of each bill with the words.<br />"Her majesty's government will ...".<br />The State Opening of Parliament is an important ceremony that is usually marked by the Queen's trip to the House of Lords by State Coach.<br />The Imperial Crown and other symbols of the British monarchy travel to Parliament in their own coach.<br />The ceremony is traditionally viewed as one in which members of opposing parties put their differences on hold to come together is a sign of solidarity for the nation.<br />Charles has accompanied Elizabeth to the ceremony in recent years.<br />The Queen has been notably absent from several events in recent months due to health issues
