In a grand display of tradition and pageantry, King Charles III inaugurated the new legislative session of Parliament in the United Kingdom on Wednesday. The streets of London came to a standstill as age-old customs unfolded, signifying the independence of lawmakers from the monarchy.

The day began with the arrival of the king and queen in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by the resounding salutes of cannons. The King's Speech, outlining the government's agenda for the legislative session, was handed to King Charles III by the Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood. This iconic moment highlighted the ceremonial nature of the event.

Prior to the royal arrival, the Yeomen of the Guard conducted a symbolic search of the basements in the Houses of Parliament. Clad in scarlet Tudor-style uniforms, the Yeomen commemorated the thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Westminster Palaces.

Adding to the intrigue of the day, a member of Parliament was mock "hostage" inside the palace, symbolizing the inherent danger for the monarch to enter the Commons. This tradition is rooted in the execution of King Charles I in 1649, who opposed Parliament during the English Civil War and was charged as a "tyrant and traitor." Once the State Opening of Parliament concluded, the hostage was released, fulfilling their symbolic duty of ensuring the monarch's safety.

Another peculiar tradition involved an official known as Black Rod, who made the ceremonial walk from the House of Lords to the House of Commons to summon Members of Parliament. However, upon arrival, Black Rod faced a slammed door and had to beat it with their traditional staff to gain entry. Subsequently, the MPs followed Black Rod back to the Lords.

King Charles III donned his Admiral of the Fleet Royal Naval Number 1 Dress, complete with cap and sword, along with the Imperial State Crown. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla, who coincidentally celebrated her birthday, wore a striking silk crepe-embroidered dress designed by Fiona Clare. To mark the occasion, she adorned the George IV State Diadem, a well-known symbol of royal majesty that had been favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Overall, the opening of Parliament brought together historic rites from centuries past, emphasizing the enduring customs that still shape the workings of the British government.