The state opening of Parliament will make history as Charles is set to give the first King’s Speech in seven decades to mark the start of the next session of Parliament.
There is usually a lengthy list of planned bills within the King’s Speech. This year is a little different, with a range of planned legislative reforms due to be read out by the King.
It has already been confirmed that plans to "phase out" leaseholds will be in the King’s Speech. The plans are set to include banning new leasehold houses so that all new houses are freehold from the outset. This may differ for flats, where ministers are believed to be planning to deliver a reformed commonhold system.
There are also plans to force convicted criminals to be in court for their sentencing as per 'Olivia's Law' which is the law change that Cheryl Korbel campaigned for after Thomas Cashman refused to appear in court for sentencing.
Additionally, 'Hillsborough Law' will impose a legal responsibility of candour on police, obliging officers to disclose the truth to inquiries, investigations, and public bodies. Chief constables will be legally obligated to enforce the new responsibility, which aims to prevent a recurrence of the Hillsborough disaster.
What time is the King's Speech today?
King Charles III will lay out the government's plans for the year in the King's Speech at 11.30am. There will be live coverage on BBC News and Sky News.
Follow our blog below for live updates.
Kate Lally
Plans to slash NHS wait lists
The King said the Government would "promote the integrity of the Union and strengthen the social fabric" of the UK.
He said the Government would "deliver its plans to cut waiting lists" in the NHS, with minimum service levels "to prevent strikes from undermining patient safety".
Kate Lally
'My Government's priority is to … change this country for the better'
In the first King's Speech for more than 70 years, Charles said: "The impact of Covid and the war in Ukraine have created significant long-term challenges for the United Kingdom.
"That is why my Government's priority is to make the difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better."
He said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's administration was focused on "increasing economic growth and safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come".
The Government would "continue to take action to bring down inflation" and support the Bank of England in that goal by taking "responsible decisions on spending and borrowing".
Hannah Rees
Watch our live feed
Kate Lally
What can we expect from the King's speech?
During the speech we can expect the Prime Minister to lay out which new laws he plans to introduce before the next General Election. In the first King's speech in seven decades, the State Opening of Parliament will see King Charles read out the pieces of legislation.
You can read more about what we can expect here
Lottie Gibbons
A return to the full pomp and ceremony of the occasion
Charles will don the Imperial State Crown, his lengthy crimson Robe of State and Admiral of the Fleet Royal Naval dress uniform, having travelled in a carriage procession from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords in the Diamond State Coach amid great royal fanfare.
Camilla, wearing the famous George IV State Diadem for the first time, has chosen to re-use her coronation gown, designed by Bruce Oldfield, for her first State Opening as a Queen consort.
Lottie Gibbons
What is the state opening of Parliament?
It marks the start of a new parliamentary session and normally takes place annually with MPs, peers and the monarch all in attendance at the Palace of Westminster.
A key component of the ceremony is the King’s Speech, where he sets out the legislative programme for the coming session. The King has no role in setting the legislative agenda, but reads out the list on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government.
The event is known for its unique customs, some of which date back to the 17th century, as well as the pomp and ceremony that greets the monarch upon their arrival at Parliament.
The sight of Black Road banging on the door of the Commons is one of the best known traditions, as is the taking of one MP “hostage” to secure the safe return of the monarch.
But beyond the royal fanfare, it will offer a key insight into the priorities for Rishi Sunak and his ministers in the short window before the next general election – expected at some stage next year.