Cambridgeshire smokers could face cigarette shake-up in King Charles III speech
It's his first state opening of Parliament since being crowned
King Charles III will make his first official appearance as King for the State Opening of Parliament later.
What is the state opening of Parliament?
The State Opening of Parliament is a significant event where the monarch delivers a speech, outlining their government's plans and proposed laws for the upcoming parliamentary session.
It is a formal and ceremonial occasion that marks the beginning of a new session of Parliament and sets out the legislative agenda.
The monarch typically wears a crown, arrives in a carriage, and delivers the speech from the throne in the House of Lords.
The event is rich in tradition and includes ceremonial activities like searching the cellars, (following the failed gunpowder plot) and other symbolic gestures.
Dignitaries, including the Prince of Wales (now, William.) accompany the monarch, and the session officially commences after the speech. It's a significant event marking the start of a new parliamentary session and the government's plans.
What is the King expected to say?
The King is expected to pay tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
Martyn's law? Face The Family? What else?
Crackdown on smoking
Plans to raise the legal age to buy a cigarette by a year every year may draw closer if a new law is passed.
The proposals outlined by prime minister Rishi Sunak last month as part of a crackdown on smoking are due to be discussed as part of the King's Speech.
Mr Sunak said the proposed legislation would be subject to a vote in parliament but would be a free vote.
One former smoker in Chatteris said it's a good idea:
"Anything to stop younger children smoking is a good thing; as an ex-smoker many years ago, I think it's a good thing what they're doing to reduce the consumption of cigarettes."
Meanwhile, one woman is against the plans:
"I think it's a stupid idea; at what point do we stop? Until people are 80, 99, 100-years-old?" she said.
Who or what is Black Rod?
Black Rod is an official who plays a symbolic role during the State Opening of Parliament. The role currently belongs to Sarah Clarke, the former head of administration at The Championship at Wimbledon.
The Black Rod summons MPs from the House of Commons to attend the House of Lords for the state opening and the King's Speech. Black Rod will ceremonially approach the door to the House of Commons before knocking on the door and it slamming closed on them.
The symbolic gesture represents the independence and separation of powers between the unelected House of Lords and the elected, House of Commons.