Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Why does the Queen have to read her prime minister's speech?


It's tradition, I hear you say.

There is a reliable rule that holds that all ancient British traditions were invented in the last quarter of the 19th century. This one is of more recent vintage than that.

Parliament's own website records:

Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861 Queen Victoria attended the State Opening of Parliament less frequently, and when she did the Speech was delivered by the Lord Chancellor.

1 comment:

Tristan said...

The ASI also wonders whether she needs to, especially given the chaos it causes for a week before when the roads are closed...

Lets face it, we know what's coming, Brown leaked it all to the papers anyway.