What is the king's speech?

The King's Speech is read by the monarch at the State Opening of Parliament. It sets out the government's plans and the new laws it intends to pass in the coming session. It is written by the government, not the King. The most recent was delivered on 13 May 2026 and listed 37 bills.

The speech takes place in the House of Lords. MPs are summoned from the Commons by an official called Black Rod. The door is first slammed in Black Rod's face to show the Commons' independence. The King then reads the speech from the throne. It is one of the grandest ceremonies in British politics, with the King wearing the Imperial State Crown and peers in their robes.

Although the King delivers it, every word is written by ministers. The monarch stays politically neutral. After the speech, MPs debate it for several days and then vote. Losing that vote would be a serious blow and could show the government has lost the confidence of the Commons. Bills announced in the speech are then introduced over the following weeks and months.

There is no fixed date. A King's Speech is held at the start of each new Parliament and each new session, usually every year or so. The May 2026 speech opened the second session of the Parliament elected in 2024. Its 37 bills covered areas including health, education, the courts, rail in the north of England and digital public services.