What is the State Opening of the Royal Assembly?
NATIONAL - The State Opening of the Royal Assembly is the most colorful event of the parliamentary calendar, and also the most important.Each new legislative session has to be opened by the monarch, who reads a prepared speech, setting out an agenda he hopes the chamber will enact.
Before the ceremony, the King arrives at the House of Law in the Babkhan Stage Coach (a gift many years ago of a very benevolent Shah). But observing a custom dating back to days when the monarch and the Assembly were on less cordial terms a government whip is held 'hostage' at the Winter Palace to guarantee the safe return of the monarch.
Once the King arrives at the House of Law the red and yellow Morovian flag is lowered and replaced by the royal standard. After donning the royal robes in the robing room the King and his procession make their way to the Great Chamber of the Royal Assembly. When he enters the lighting inside is turned up to enhance the drama of the royal entrance.
Once the King is seated and the guests have taken their place members of the house are summoned from the nearby lobby to come and hear the royal address. Tardily, the Royal Assembly, led by its most senior member, take up their places to hear the speech.
posted by The Editors @ 13:45
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