The Queen Is Breaking a Royal Tradition for the First Time in 40 Years
The snap election in the U.K. is causing the Queen to break a royal tradition for only the second time in her reign. At the State Opening of Parliament on June 19, which signals the beginning of the parliamentary year, Elizabeth II will not wear the Imperial State Crown.
According to the Telegraph, "the Queen will wear 'day dress' and a hat for the State Opening of Parliament, abandoning the traditional Robes of State."
The reason for the change? Logistics. June 19 was the first "suitable date" for the ceremony, which must take place shortly after a general election. However, under current circumstances, the 19th is just two days after the Trooping of the Colour.
"The proximity of the two major events would make the logistics of a normal State Opening too difficult," reports the Telegraph. "leaving too little time for rehearsal for an event of that scale. To allow Her Majesty to attend in support of the parliamentary and constitutional process, The Queen's programme of engagements has been revised," reads a statement from Buckingham Palace.
"Additionally, owing to the revised calendar, the State Opening of Parliament will take place with reduced ceremonial elements."
While Queen won't don the crown during the ceremony, it will be present. An officer of the state will carry it along with the Sword of State and Cap of Maintenance, a trio of symbols of her majesty's authority. And keeping with the more casual aesthetic of the day, Prince Philip will wear a morning coat for the event as opposed to a full naval uniform.
Changes to the program aren't only sartorial. The queen will also forgo her carriage,
For more on the changes, including what happened the last time the Queen dressed down, head over to the Telegraph.
This story originally appeared on Townandcountrymag.com.
* Minor edits have been made by the Townandcountry.ph editors.
