King Charles III delivers first state opening of Parliament
He's been drawing out what the Government will aim to do in the next 12 months
King Charles III has delivered his first state opening of Parliament speech since being coronated earlier this year. Whilst taking on the duty in recent years due to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II's health it was his first as King.
The speech is designed to tell the Government what he wants or expects them to do in the next year. However, in reality It's a speech written by Government which the King is expected to read.
The speech started by talking about inflation and the cost of living, The King then moved onto the need for better travel prospects and public transport in the North of England and the Midlands.
King Charles focussed on education and the need for 'higher quality apprenticeships' and fewer 'low quality degrees.' He mentioned trade and the importance of securing trade deals with fast-growing economies.
The importance of being a world-leader in new technologies whilst ensuring we allow AI technology to grow safely.
Moving onto health and the NHS, The King said his Government will cut waiting lists and train more Drs and Nurses and ensuring we have better minimum service levels in case there is further strike action. Staying with health The King gave special mention to mental health services, saying there will be record levels of spending to tackle the issue.
Charles III also spoke about the Government's plans to stop smoking the UK and reduce E-cig and vape marketing. The Government plans on making new laws that would see a ban on spoking for everyone born after in or after 2009.
On housing, The King said ministers will tackle issues in the housing market, for mortgage holders, renters and landlords by bringing in better safeguarding, and new legislation.
Towns and town centres were also on the agenda as the King said ministers would continue their work to modernise and diversify towns across the country.
Sport was also mentioned as it's expected The Government will bring in new rules and legislation to protect football clubs from bad ownership. This follows the collapse of several EFL clubs in recent years.
A new Holocaust memorial will also be built in London, as a permanent reminder of the atrocity in the 1940s. The King said antisemetism in the UK must be tackled.
The King said there would be tougher and longer sentences for people who commit the most serious crimes and will empower police forces to tackle crime more affectively.
Looking at international conflicts. King Charles said it's vital we continue to support Ukraine and strengthen NATO and facilitate humanitarian support in Gaza and strive for peace in the middle-east.
On global warming The King said we need to continue our climate pledges and hold other nations to account in keeping their commitments.
The King also mentioned employment, safer public spaces, supporting veterans, and a state visit from Korea later this month.
What happened? A step by step guide to the day:
Arriving by horse-drawn carriage in royal a stage coach, the King and Queen's presence in Parliament meant the Union Flag was lowered and the Royal Standard raised.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Chorley MP, Sir Lindsay Hoyle proceeded through Parliament before the private prayers were read.
Then The King, now wearing his crown walked through the Royal chambers and into the House of Lords and say next to his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort. The King asked the Lord to be seated before the Black Rod made her way to Parliament to collect the Speaker of the Commons and the MPs.
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his counterpart, Labour Leader Sir Kier Starmer are made to walk side by side, appearing to make small talk with eachother.
The King than made his speech, which lasted about 15 minutes.
Everyone in the room rose to their feet before the King and Queen rose and left the room.
After another change of clothes the King and Queen left the Houses of Parliament on the same state coach in which they arrived