News

The King’s Speech: What it means for you

Published

1 year 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.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.