The Queen Opens Parliament in the U.K.

Pomp and Ceremony
After the calling of a general election in the U.K., Parliament is dissolved and the Queen's Speech takes place shortly after the government comes to power. Incredibly, Tuesday May 25 marked the 56th occasion that Queen Elizabeth II has left Buckingham Palace to travel the short distance in London and open a new session of Parliament. But it's the first time in 14 years that the Queen has outlined a Conservative-led agenda, albeit one drawn up in partnership with the Liberal Democrats following the coalition.

• U.K. Parliament Promises Radical Reform
• The Queen in Portraits