Last week the prorogation (end of term ceremony) of Parliament . . . and this week the opening of Parliament by Her Majesty the Queen.

I am a traditionalist and so find the ceremonies to close and open Parliament spectacular and impressive and they fill me with a sense of pride in our nation's history.

However even so I have to admit that some features of the ceremonies could be seen as archaic.

Prorogation begins with Black Rod's summons of Members of the House of Commons to the Bar of the House of Lords. Not many MPs are present so visibility for a spectator MP like me is good but the Lords are there in full strength. On this occasion they are in ordinary clothes except for four formally attired Peers flanking the Lord Chancellor in a central position just behind the Woolsack. The Lord Chancellor's flowing robes are topped by a drooping wig of prodigious length surmounted by a tricorne hat looking just like a black pancake. He gives the Queen's apologies, welcomes Members of the Lower House and reads the speech as though it is being read by Her Majesty even to saying that "I" went abroad with the Duke of Edinburgh. Then two clerks stand up and one reads out the title of a Government Bill passed during the previous session, both bow to the Woolsack then in unison they turn around and bow to us mere Members at the Bar then the other clerk intones "La reyne le vault" which after much whispering well-versed MPs inform the uninitiated is Norman French for "The Queen wishes it". This happened many times, one bill at a time. 
We apparently have been waiting in vain since 1708 for the Monarch to say the alternative, "La reyne s'avisera" translated "The Queen will think about it". 
Then we trooped back to the Commons for a brief speech by Mr. Speaker followed by a friendly hand shake for all of us and from me a quick word of thanks for his kindness and personal support.

The Opening of Parliament is even more formal with the Queen resplendent in crown and robes.
Perhaps my sympathy for her ladies-in-waiting in frocks reminiscent of their bridesmaid days and all the Lords and Ladies in full regalia is misplaced because they are probably enjoying it.
This time the Queen reads the speech written for her and I am sure some of the things she has had to read may have been a little trying for her. However the new session then commences with the Debate on the Queen's Speech which goes on into next week and gives us all a chance to have our say on aspects of the Government's plans.

Tradition is alive and well across the country too. 
The Remembrance Day Parades and Services were hugely supported.
How truly welcome this is!