The Queen, Elizabeth II, presided (18/11) over the State Opening of the United Kingdom Parliament and delivered Her Government's mandate for its final months in office before the general election due next year.
The State Opening of Parliament is a ceremony loaded with historical ritual and symbolic significance for the governance of the United Kingdom. In one place are assembled the members of all three branches of government, of which the Sovereign is the nominal head in each case: The Queen-in-Parliament (Her Majesty, together with the House of Commons and the House of Lords), constitute the legislature; Her Majesty's Ministers (who are members of one or other House) constitute the executive government; Her Majesty's Judges are summoned to attend and represent the judiciary. Thus the State Opening demonstrates the governance of the United Kingdom but also the separation of powers
Similar ceremonies are held in other Commonwelath Realms. When The Queen is present, Her Majesty delivers the Speech from the Throne normally delivered by the Governor-General or Governor.