News

The King’s Speech: What it means for you

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2024

THE KING’S SPEECH, a key event in the UK’s political calendar, is delivered by the Monarch at the State Opening of Parliament. Written by the government, it outlines the legislative agenda and policy priorities for the upcoming parliamentary session.

What is the State Opening of Parliament?

The State Opening of Parliament marks the beginning of a new parliamentary year. It provides the government an opportunity to present its planned bills and policies to Parliament. This event is steeped in tradition and ceremony, symbolising the formal start of the legislative process for the next session.

When Does the State Opening of Parliament Occur?

The State Opening of Parliament takes place on the first day of a new parliamentary session, which typically lasts around 12 months. There are usually five sessions in each Parliament, aligning with the period between general elections. At the end of a session, Parliament is prorogued, formally ending the parliamentary year until the next State Opening.

What Happens During the State Opening?

The ceremony begins with the Monarch’s procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. Upon arrival at the Sovereign’s Entrance, the Monarch leads the Royal Procession to the House of Lords. Black Rod, a senior officer, then summons members of the House of Commons to the Lords Chamber. Before entering, the Commons chamber door is symbolically shut in Black Rod’s face and only opened after he strikes it three times. This tradition dates back to the Civil War, representing the Commons’ independence from the monarchy. Following the speech, a new parliamentary session officially begins.

Traditions and Historical Facts

The traditions surrounding the Monarch’s speech and the State Opening date back to the 16th century. Before the Monarch arrives, the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster for explosives, commemorating Guy Fawkes’s gunpowder plot of 1605. The practice of Black Rod banging on the door of the Commons originates from 1642 when Charles I attempted to arrest five MPs, symbolising the Commons’ right to exclude royal messengers.

The Imperial State Crown

The Imperial State Crown, worn by the Monarch during the speech, is adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies, adding to the grandeur of this significant event.

The King’s Speech is not just a ceremonial event but a crucial moment for setting the government’s agenda for the year ahead. It blends historical traditions with the practical aspects of governance, ensuring continuity and respect for the UK’s rich parliamentary history.

Education

Milford Haven School issues heatwave update as temperatures soar

Published

17 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has thanked pupils and staff for the way they have supported one another during the current heatwave.

The school said cooperation and care across the school community had been greatly appreciated.

With tomorrow (Jun 25) forecast to be the hottest day of the current spell, pupils are being asked to come prepared by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and staying as protected from the sun as possible.

Pupils will also be permitted to wear their PE kit to help keep cool.

The school said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Business

Main Street Music to close retail shop as owner focuses on handmade guitars

Published

22 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire music shop is changing the way it operates, with Main Street Music confirming it will no longer trade as a retail shop from September 1.

The business said there will be an immediate 15% sale on all stock, but stressed that Main Street Music is not disappearing completely.

The owner said the decision had been made “with a heavy heart”, adding that the shop’s closure as a retail outlet would be a loss for Pembrokeshire as the county’s last professional guitar dealership.

He said his long-term passion had always been making musical instruments, something he had done since his teenage years, later receiving scholarships and a fellowship for his studies.

After college, he was given the opportunity to buy the business at the age of 24.

He said: “I have had an amazing time running this shop, giving it everything I’ve got, met some wonderful people and sold some incredible guitars.”

Although the business itself remains successful, he said tighter retail margins, dealership pressures and rising costs had made it difficult to grow in a way that would allow him to employ others and spend more time in the workshop.

The shop will eventually reopen as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

Current repair work will continue on a case-by-case basis by appointment only.

Main Street Music thanked customers for their support over recent years, saying the owner was proud of where the shop had been taken.

Caption:

Main Street Music will close as a retail shop from September 1, but will continue as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

News

Crackwell Street set to reopen after five-month closure

Published

1 hour ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ROADWORKS linked to structural repairs at Goscar House in Tenby are nearing completion, with Crackwell Street expected to reopen to through traffic today (Wednesday, June 24).

Scaffolding has now been removed from the property, with contractors carrying out a general clearance of the area.

The road has been closed for around five months while structural repair work has been taking place.

Local residents, businesses and visitors are expected to welcome the reopening, with Crackwell Street forming an important route through the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that, all being well, the road will reopen later today.

Gareth Davies, of Gareth Davies Photography Tenby, said it was “good to see the removal of scaffolding today and general clearance on the property”.

He added that locals and visitors would be “so pleased” to see the road open once again.

Photo caption:

Clearance work: Contractors at Crackwell Street, Tenby, as scaffolding is removed from Goscar House (Pic: Gareth Davies).