[1] Charles, Prince of Wales, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, opened the third session of the 58th Parliament on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II with the traditional Queen's Speech.

[4] Instead, her son, the then-Prince of Wales, and her grandson, the Duke of Cambridge opened a new session of the British Parliament on behalf of the Queen, acting as Counsellors of State, with Prince Charles reading the Queen's speech.

[5][6] This would be the final State Opening of the Queen's reign before her death in September 2022.

On the morning of the event, James Morris MP, as Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, was "taken hostage" at Buckingham Palace to ensure Prince Charles' and Prince William's safe return from Parliament.

The Duke of Cambridge and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, both wearing morning dress with the Duke of Cambridge wearing his military medals and the breast star of the Order of the Garter, sat in chairs of state on either side of the Prince of Wales.