On Monday 14th October Her Majesty The Queen officially opened Parliament with an event steeped in tradition. The State Opening is the only regular event to unite the three elements of legislature – the House of Lords, the House of Commons and The Queen – together as the Crown in Parliament.
1st Battalion Welsh Guards had the privilege to provide the centre piece large Guard of Honour commanded by Major Chris Davies, Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales's Company.
With more than 1,300 troops and 200 horses taking to the streets of London Her Majesty The Queen delivered The Queen’s Speech and set out the government's legislative agenda to both Houses of Parliament. The State Opening marks the formal start of the next parliamentary session and is steeped in centuries of tradition.
This is a busy period for everyone. Many of the units taking part were involved recently in operational deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Estonia, Georgia, South Sudan, Malawi and the Falkland Islands. The Bands are always heavily committed with concerts and performances in support of defence engagement events across the globe. Troops involved are also preparing for Remembrance week in early November, in particular the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, The Lord Mayor’s Show, and the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall. But for many involved, the State Opening of Parliament is a very grand occasion and there was a great feeling of pride in the heart of every serviceman and woman participating.
