Commonwealth realms Speech from the throne

king henry viii @ opening of parliament of england @ bridewell palace, 1523


terminology

in united kingdom, speech known majesty s gracious speech, gracious address, or, less formally, queen s speech (or king s speech, when reigning monarch male). in canada, shortened throne speech (in french: discours du trône). since 1973, lieutenant governor of quebec has delivered short inaugural address termed allocution, after premier reads or discours d ouverture (opening speech), called message inaugural 1974 1984. in australia, speech called governor s speech or opening speech.

in hong kong, governor s address termed policy address during chris patten s governorship. in irish free state, governor-general delivered governor-general s address dáil Éireann; 2 ever given, in 1922 , 1923.

the speech

in commonwealth realms, speech throne oration forms part of ceremony marking opening of parliament. records indicate ceremony has taken place since medieval era, while others place origins in 16th century, when england absolute monarchy. speech explained parliament reasons summoned , set out sovereign s policies , objectives. monarch speak parliament in person; king edward iii (in 1365), richard ii, , edward iv (to both houses of parliament on multiple separate occasions) did so. however, various other figures gave oration on sovereign s behalf: between 1347 , 1363, read chief justice; chief justice of common pleas in 1401; archbishop of canterbury in 1344, 1368, 1377 (speaking presiding edward iii), 1399, , 1422; , in 1343, 1363, and, after 1368, lord chancellor—who prolocutor, or chairman of house of lords. given on behalf bishop of winchester in 1410; in 1453 , 1467, bishop of lincoln; bishop of rochester in 1472; , keeper of privy seal in 1431. may have been written or input of king or queen s advisers, but, monarch, supreme governor, principal author.

today, within tenets of constitutional monarchy, speech written sitting cabinet, or without reader s participation, , outlines legislative programme new parliamentary session. due parliamentary tradition of sovereign being barred lower chamber, in realms possessing bicameral parliament, ceremony takes place in legislature s upper chamber, members of both houses in attendance. in unicameral parliaments, speech read in 1 legislative chamber. unusually, in irish free state, speech delivered in lower house of bicameral parliament.

in united kingdom, speech typically read reigning sovereign @ state opening of parliament. traditions surrounding opening , speech go 16th century; present ceremony dates 1852, when palace of westminster rebuilt after 1834 fire. ceremony occurs annually in may (prior fixed-term parliaments act 2011 in november or december) or after general election. monarch may, however, appoint delegate perform task in or place; queen elizabeth ii did in 1959 , 1963, when pregnant prince andrew , prince edward respectively, lord chancellor delivering address instead.

in countries share uk same person respective sovereign, speech throne read on monarch s behalf or viceroy, governor-general, although monarch may deliver address in person: queen elizabeth ii read throne speech in parliament of new zealand in 1954, parliament of australia in 1954 , 1974, , parliament of canada in 1957 , 1977. member of royal family may perform duty, such when, on 1 september 1919, prince edward, prince of wales (later king edward viii), read speech throne in canadian parliament. on 2 occasions, administrator of government delivered address parliament of canada: 16 may 1963 , 30 september 1974.

queen elizabeth ii on throne of parliament of canada, delivers speech throne, 1957

in australian states, relevant governor reads speech, though, australian monarch may perform task: queen elizabeth ii opened parliaments of of australian states in 1954 , of new south wales in 1992. in canadian provinces, relevant lieutenant governor delivers speech; uncertain whether canadian monarch can same in legislature of canadian province. in quebec speech not referred speech throne.

in british overseas territories have instituted practice, relevant governor delivers speech. throne speech not typical in devolved legislatures within united kingdom, nearest equivalent being statement of legislative agenda of executive branch given first minister. however, british monarch undertakes visits , speaks devolved bodies in less official capacity. far, queen elizabeth ii has been present , has given address @ openings of scottish parliament, speaking reflectively upon accomplishments , wishing institution coming term rather considering plans of executive. in each of canadian territories, commissioner reads throne speech or opening address legislature.

it considered improper audience, including members of parliament, show support or disapproval content of speech while being read, such reserved debate , vote follows in legislative chambers or chamber. protest, though, has been expressed during throne speech, such when, in 2011, brigette depape, page in canadian senate, interrupted governor general david johnston s reading of speech throne standing , holding sign calling prime minister, stephen harper, stopped.

formally, motion follows speech merely calls on parliament thank monarch or viceroy via address in reply. debate is, however, wide-ranging, exploring many aspects of government s proposed policies, , spread on several days. when address in reply voted on, poll held constitute motion of confidence in government, which, if lost, result in end of government s mandate. in legislatures, discussion , vote follows symbolic raising of other matters, designed highlight independence of parliament crown; practice originated after king charles tried , executed parliament. in british house of commons, other business raised tradition outlawries bill. in canadian house of commons, bill considered bill c-1, act respecting administration of oaths of office, while in senate, bill s-1, act relating railways. in australia , new zealand, contrast, no pro forma bills introduced; there, respective houses of representatives instead consider brief , non-controversial business items before debating address in reply.