18 July, 2024

Sean Coughlan Royal Correspondent Welcome to Royal Watch. This week we’ve seen the constitutional grandeur of the King’s Speech and the State Opening of Parliament. That fell on the same day as Queen Camilla’s birthday. ‌ We’ve also seen the Princess of Wales and Princess Anne making welcome returns. There’s a traditional count of swans on the Thames (which explains the intriguing image at the top of this edition). ‌ And we ask: Should MPs still have to swear allegiance to the King in a parliamentary week?

Intricate pageantry King Charles, back from a visit to the Channel Islands, carried out one of his most important constitutional roles on Wednesday. ‌ The government’s plans for legislation are set out in the King’s Speech, read out by King Charles in the elaborate ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament. ‌ The King and Queen travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster in the glittering Diamond Jubilee State Coach. It might look ancient, but it has only been in use since 2014, and includes air-conditioning and electric windows.

The carriage design includes bits of wood from HMS Victory, Westminster Abbey and even materials from No 10 Downing Street. Credit: PA It’s an event full of ritual. MPs are summoned by a parliamentary officer called Black Rod, who knocks on the door of the House of Commons with a stick. ‌ The Imperial State Crown, the Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance travel to Westminster in a separate carriage.

The King set out the government’s legislative plan with 39 new laws promised. Credit PA An MP is handed over as a symbolic hostage to be kept in Buckingham Palace until the monarch returns. It's not the most arduous of captivities, though, with one MP recalling being offered a gin and tonic and a sit-down to watch the ceremony on TV. ‌ Is this all quaint madness? Or is the intricate pageantry a way of ensuring a smooth and peaceful transfer of democratic power? What is the King’s Speech?

Happy returns Sitting alongside the King at the State Opening of Parliament was Queen Camilla, who was celebrating her 77th birthday. Although any prospects of a dancing queen were likely curtailed when she apparently sprained her ankle on this week’s visit to the Channel Islands. ‌ She was a post-war baby, born on 17 July 1947 in King’s College Hospital in south London.

Queen Camilla received a card from Sark school children for her birthday. Credit: PA The same obstetrician went on to deliver the then-Prince Charles, born the following year in Buckingham Palace. ‌ Camilla was born the same year as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hillary Clinton, Iggy Pop and Sir Elton John.

Sun shines for royals during visit to Guernsey

Swanning along with a royal tradition It really must be summer when Wimbledon is over and the week of “swan upping” comes round again. ‌ This is the traditional royal census of swans on the Thames, dating back to the Middle Ages and reflecting the Crown’s ownership of swans on the river. ‌ It’s a quirky and splendid sight, with the riverbanks lined with spectators as the rowboats of the swan uppers glide past, sailing under historic flags and pennants. ‌ The crews are dressed in scarlet outfits. And sitting like a king on a throne at the back of a boat, with a feather in his cap, is the King’s Swan Marker, David Barber.

Annual swan upping involves assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries. Credit: Andy Rain/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock It’s a great spectacle and all a bit Wind in the Willows. But it has a serious conservation purpose. ‌ The aim of the five-day trip, from London to Oxfordshire, is to assess the wellbeing of the swan population.

The rowers shout "all up" when they see a young swan on their route Last year’s count only found 94 cygnets, a major decline in numbers. ‌ “Fortunately this year we have had far fewer reported cases of avian influenza, which is excellent news,” said the King’s Swan Marker.

‘Swan uppers’ begin their annual royal census

Returning service There were two royal comebacks in the past week. ‌ The Princess of Wales - and we know you want her to be called Catherine rather than Kate - got a standing ovation when she attended the Wimbledon men's final.

The royals watching the men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Credit: Getty That was her second public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis. Princess Anne, who suffered a head injury after being struck by a horse last month, was also back attending events.

The Princess Royal has been recovering from a minor head injury and concussion at her Gatcombe Park home in Gloucestershire. Credit PA She presented awards for the Riding for the Disabled Association in Gloucestershire last Friday.