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''"Queen's Speech" redirects here. For the British monarch's Christmas Day speech, see Royal Christmas Message.''

The 'Speech from the Throne' (or 'Throne Speech') is an event in certain monarchies in which the monarch (or a representative) reads a prepared speech to a complete session of parliament, outlining the government's agenda for the coming year. This event is often held annually, although in some places it may occur more or less frequently whenever a new session of parliament is opened. The speech from the throne is not written by the head of state who reads it, but rather by the government.
In most cases, the speech is read in a neutral voice, and although the Head of State may refer to "my government", it is clearly established that the speech is not meant to imply endorsement or support for the stated policies.

Contents

Commonwealth Realms

United Kingdom

Other Realms

Other countries

See also

References

External links

Commonwealth Realms

United Kingdom

''Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech'',^[1] also known as the ''Gracious Address'', or, less formally, as the ''Queen's Speech'', is the speech from the Throne performed in the United Kingdom, before both Houses of Parliament. The speech itself is part of a lavish affair known as the State Opening of Parliament, with many formalities and traditions, including the Queen's wearing of her official state crown.
Following a symbolic raising of other matters, designed to highlight the independence of Parliament from the Crown, both Houses of Parliament House of Commons and the Lords hold a debate and can vote on the speech. This vote is held to constitute a motion of confidence in the government which if lost would result in the end of that government.^[2]
A Throne Speech is not typical in the devolved legislatures within the United Kingdom, the nearest equivalent being a statement of the legislative agenda of the executive branch usually given by a First Minister.^[3] However, the Queen often undertakes visits and speaks to the devolved bodies in a less official capacity. So far, she has been present and has given an address at all openings of the Scottish Parliament, usually speaking reflectively upon its accomplishments and wishing the institution well for its coming term rather than considering the plans of the Executive.

Other Realms

In the other Commonwealth Realms, a similar speech to the British version is held in their respective legislatures. Generally, the Speech from the Throne will be read on Her Majesty's behalf by the relevant Governor-General, however if the Queen is present in the country she will often give the address in person. Queen Elizabeth II opened the Canadian Parliament with the Speech from the Throne in 1957, and again during her Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Australia and Canada, federated countries, also hold a Throne Speech in the state or provincial jurisdictions, used to outline local legislative plans. Typically these are performed by the respective state Governors or provincial Lieutenant Governor, who represent the sovereign in that area. The ''Constitution Act, 1867'' is written in such a way that the Queen does not form a part of the provincial parliaments, only the pertinent Lieutenant Governor does; thus, the Queen of Canada does not read the Throne Speech in any of her provincial legislatures. Elizabeth II did, however, address the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from the chamber's throne during her tour of the province in 2005.

Other countries

Other monarchies, such as the Netherlands (Day of the Princes) and Norway, have similar throne speech ceremonies. In Japan, the Emperor makes only a short greeting speech on Diet opening ceremony; he does not refer to any government policies, instead allowing the Prime Minister to address the Diet on political matters.
Many republics, especially those who are members of the Commonwealth or are former British colonies, operate on the Westminster System and also hold a yearly event in which the president gives a speech to a joint session of the legislature, such as the State of the Union address given by the President of the United States. Where the President is the political head of the government the speech is more partisan in character.

See also

★ July Monarchy

★ Royal Christmas Message

★ State of the Union Address

References

★ 1. http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld199697/ldhansrd/pdvn/lds05/text/50517-02.htm
2. [1]
3. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1525819.stm

External links

★ Queen's Speech in the UK Parliament 2006

★ Queen's Speech in the UK Parliament 2005