Queen Elizabeth II opens Parliament

Queen Elizabeth II reads her speech before MPs and Lords
during the State Opening of Parliament, May 9. Click here for more images.

May 5, Queen Elizabeth II formally opens Parliament, unveiling the legislative priority of the government for next year.





Proposed bills, covered a variety of sectors and industries, including banking, retail, commerce, utilities, public service, electoral reforms, and international affairs.

The queen’s speech highlighted another reform bill that seeks to cut further the number of Lords in Parliament to “ensure that majority of its members are elected,” reports BBC.

Also expected to be tackled is the passage of a legislation allowing gay marriage, which already gained support from Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Queen has also confirmed the reform of the royal succession that she deemed is fitting for 21^st century. Thus, older daughters of the duke and duchess of Cambridge will have equal rights to the throne.