Queen's Address to Parliament

Shortly after our return to London, it was the beginning of the new Parliamentary session. All the morning TV news shows were telling us how the new session began with an address to the Parliament by the Queen. They explained all the pageantry and traditions involved in the process. The Queen, in all her furs and jewels travels by coach to the Parliament, accompanied
by her soldiers.
The pictures below are taken from the internet.




Apparently, at one point when the queen's messenger approaches - the door is symbolically slammed in his face. Then he knocks again - at which time the door is opened.
(This is somehow to represent the fact that the Queen does not dictate to the parliament, or something like that.)

Later in the day, the speech was televised live.



Then, a few hours after that, I was walking on our High Street, and what did I see? The Queen's horses were being returned to their stables, which are very near where I live. These pictures I took myself.