State Opening of Parliament - Project Open Gov

The formal ceremony that marks the start of a parliamentary session.

Category: Devolution and constitution Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: State Opening, State Opening of Parliament, state opening, opening of Parliament

Source / explainer: Read UK Parliament information on State Opening

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of a parliamentary session. It includes the King’s Speech, which sets out the Government’s planned programme for the session. State Opening is important for understanding when a new session begins and why future parliamentary business may change.

Related terms

Government BillA bill introduced by the Government rather than by an individual MP or peer.King’s SpeechThe speech at the State Opening of Parliament setting out the government’s planned legislative programme.Parliamentary CalendarA public schedule showing when Parliament is sitting and what business is planned.ProrogationThe formal end of a parliamentary session.SessionThe period during which Parliament conducts business between one State Opening and the next.