Prince Charles steps in to deliver Queen's Speech at UK Parliament

Before now, the Queen has only missed the opening of Parliament twice during her time on the throne – in 1959 and 1963 when she was pregnant

In what is seen as a defining moment for the British monarchy, Prince Charles stepped in to deliver the Queen's Speech on Tuesday to mark the ceremonial State Opening of the UK's new Parliament session.

The speech, which sets the government's legislative agenda for the year ahead, is traditionally delivered by the monarch. But with 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth II experiencing some mobility issues, her 73-year-old son and heir was deputed to read out the agenda to a gathering of members of Parliament and peers of the House of Lords.

The Queen, who missed the event for the first time in nearly 60 years, reportedly watched proceedings on a television from her Windsor Castle residence.

Before now, the Queen has only missed the opening of Parliament twice during her time on the throne – in 1959 and 1963 when she was pregnant.

The ceremony, however, was adjusted to highlight that the Queen is still very much in charge, as reflected in the presence of the imperial crown placed on a seat next to Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

He was accompanied by wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and son Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, at the Palace of Westminster.

Prince Charles opened the Speech, which is prepared by the government of the day, with a focus on the priority issue of addressing the cost-of-living crisis.