A “hostage,” a search for explosives, heaps of royal jewels and a five-foot silver gilt mace. Welcome to the reopening of Britain’s Parliament, replete with ancient traditions and elaborate rituals, and infused with anticipation over the country’s newly elected Labour government. The restart of parliamentary business on Wednesday began with a speech by King Charles III, a significant ceremonial duty that sets out the government’s agenda. While it’s not the first time King Charles has presided over the ceremony — he delivered his first King’s Speech last November, and he delivered the Queen’s Speech on behalf of his mother, Elizabeth II, in 2022 — it is the first time his speech will herald a new party’s time in power. Despite the name, the speech was not written by the king, but by government officials.
