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Early Morning Rehearsal for State Opening of Parliament
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Early Morning Rehearsal for State Opening of Parliament
The Major General Commanding the Household Division along with his entourage prove the route prior to the State Opening of Parliament.
The armed forces play a major role in the pomp and ceremony that is part of the State Opening of Parliament. In all, 1308 members of the Armed Forces and 217 horses were on public show in a variety of ceremonial roles.
While London slept, the Armed Forces were rehearsing their movements for the event in the streets around Westminster. The Royal Horse Artillery and Cavalrymen were up just after one o clock in the morning preparing their horses, but the effort was worth it because it meant that the Household Division was able to put the finishing touches to their precision procession on empty roads and with minimum disruption to the capitals normal routine.
The State Opening of Parliament is one of the most colourful events in the London Ceremonial calendar when all elements of the Armys Household Division, and other elements of the Armed Forces, line the streets and escort Her Majesty The Queen from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords. The State Opening marks the formal start of the new parliamentary session. The primary purpose of this colourful tradition is to set out the governments legislative agenda to both Houses of Parliament in the Queens Speech
The British Army protects the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper
Credit: MoD/Crown copyright 2016
Media ID 15228928
© Crown copyright
Army London Military Music Military Musicians Rehearsals
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the early morning rehearsal for the State Opening of Parliament, showcasing the immense role played by the armed forces in this grand event. Led by the Major General Commanding the Household Division, his entourage meticulously inspects and paves the route prior to the ceremony. The State Opening of Parliament is a spectacle that epitomizes pomp and ceremony, with 1308 members of the Armed Forces and 217 horses on public display in various ceremonial roles. While London slumbers peacefully, these dedicated servicemen are already hard at work rehearsing their precise movements around Westminster's streets. In order to ensure a flawless procession during this significant occasion, even before dawn breaks, Royal Horse Artillery and Cavalrymen rise from their beds to prepare their noble steeds. Their commitment pays off as they perfect their routines on empty roads while minimizing disruption to daily life in our bustling capital city. The State Opening marks an important milestone in London's ceremonial calendar when every element of the Army's Household Division, alongside other branches of our esteemed Armed Forces, lines the streets to escort Her Majesty The Queen from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords. This vibrant tradition symbolizes not only a formal start to a new parliamentary session but also serves as an opportunity for Her Majesty to outline her government's legislative agenda through her iconic Queens Speech. Captured beautifully by Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC from Armed Forces' lens, this print immortalizes both dedication and precision exhibited by our armed forces during this extraordinary event.
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