FOR the first time, the Queen broke with tradition today for the State of Opening of Parliament by not wearing the traditional elaborate crown.
Her Majesty, 93, wore her full dress, white fur shawl and regalia, but opted instead for the George IV diadem for the formal proceedings.
Some have speculated that the Imperial Crown, which weighs two pounds and 13 ounces, is thought to now be too heavy for the Queen to wear for a prolonged period of time.
The exquisite and weighty headpiece, which contains 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires and 17 emeralds, was instead placed on a table next to her on a red and gold cushion.
The valuable item was carried into Parliament as a symbol of the Queen’s authority.
Meanwhile, the lighter George IV diadem, which dates back to 1821, has 1,333 diamonds and was resized in 1902 by Queen Alexandra, who took out 11 diamonds so it would fit her smaller head.
What happened in today's Queen's Speech?
THE ceremonial event began with the Queen's procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, during which she wasbe escorted by the army's Household Cavalry.
The 93-year-old monarch entered Westminster through the Sovereign's entrance, located at the base of Victoria Tower, and move to robing room.
While wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, she led the procession through the Royal Gallery to the House of Lords.
Black Rod, the House of Lords official, summoned the House of Commons to the Lords, but during this process the doors to the Commons chamber was be shut in her face.
It is a practice that dates back to the Civil War and is said to symbolise the Commons' independence from the monarchy.
Black Rod has to strike the door three times before it is opened.
Members of the House of Commons then followed Black Rod and the Commons Speaker to the Lords chamber to listen to the speech.
While sitting on the throne in the House of Lords, the Queen read the Queen's Speech, which is written by the Government.
Now the Queen has left Parliament will later today go back to work, with each house meeting separately to begin debating the content of the speech.
It has been passed down through numerous generations of the monarchy and is only worn for official occasions, such as the State Opening.
The diadem features four crosses which alternate with bouquets that represent different parts of the UK; shamrocks, thistles and roses.
The Queen was joined by Prince Charles and wife Camilla as they arrived at Parliament in the lavish Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Prince Philip retired from formal duties in August 2017.
Her Majesty delivered a Queen's Speech full of pre-election goodies in the House of Lords this morning, outlining 22 new bills the PM hopes to push through Parliament.
It was her 65th Queen’s Speech, and the first under new Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Queen said today: "My Government's priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on 31 October."
She promised that ministers would seize the "opportunities" of leaving the EU and they would "work towards a new partnership with the European Union".
The Queen then made the 15-minute journey back to Buckingham Palace after meeting and thanking Commons staff.
The Queen's Speech comes after Boris tried to shut down Parliament for five weeks last month.
We shared how the Queen proved she’s just like us by asking a royal designer if a bridesmaid’s dress could be washed at home.
And the Queen revealed she's always worried postal delays will mean her birthday cards don't arrive on time.
Plus it’s been revealed the Queen gets her own designated loo on royal tours that no one else is allowed to use.
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