Queen's Speech opens new session of UK Parliament amid Brexit deadlock

It's all fun and games these days, but in a reminder of the historical violence between the Commons and the Crown, a member of parliament will be held "hostage" in Buckingham Palace while the Queen is in Westminster.

This tradition, stemming from the time of King Charles I, is intended to ensure the monarch's safe return.

Charles I was convicted of treason and beheaded on January 30, 1649 at the end of the Civil War between the monarchy and Parliament. A copy of his death warrant is still displayed in the Robing Room in Westminster, just in case any future monarchs get any ideas about interfering with Parliament.

The hostage is usually the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household (also a government whip), who is said to be kept well entertained before being released when the monarch returns to the palace.

On Monday, the hostage is lawmaker Stuart Andrew. His diary during the Queen’s Speech is marked as “confidential and full.”

The first and most important piece of legislation announced by the Queen is the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which will lay out the plans for Britain’s departure from the EU.

“My government’s priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on 31 October,” the Queen says, at the start of her speech. “My government intends to work towards a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade and friendly cooperation.”

Johnson plans to put the bill before MPs next week, once debate on the Queen’s Speech has wrapped up -- but it’s not clear if he’ll get the chance, given that his perilous position in Parliament means he is at risk of losing the vote on his agenda.

Even more pressing is the fact that Johnson is yet to agree any deal with the EU. If he hasn’t done so by the EU summit at the end of this week, he’s mandated by law to request another Brexit extension.

"An immigration bill, ending free movement, will lay the foundation for a fair, modern and global immigration system," the speech adds.

“My Government remains committed to ensuring that resident European citizens, who have built their lives in, and contributed so much to, the United Kingdom, have the right to remain. The bill will include measures that reinforce this commitment,” she added.

“Steps will be taken to provide certainty, stability and new opportunities for the financial services and legal sectors.”

One of the most unique features of parliamentary pomp is now underway, with Black Rod having the door of the House of Commons symbolically slammed in her face.

Black Rod then bangs on the door of the chamber three times with her (you guessed it) black rod, inviting the gathered MPs to join the Queen in the House of Lords.

Sarah Clarke is the current Black Rod, the first woman to fulfil the role in its centuries-long history.

You can read more about the role of Black Rod here.

The Queen has emerged from the robing room and is now dressed in the long crimson velvet Robe of State.

She has taken her place on the throne in the House of Lords with the Prince of Wales, and is about to start her speech.

Queen Elizabeth II has arrived at the Palace of Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament, accompanied by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Duchess of Cornwall.

As the Queen's chariot drew up to the Sovereign's Entrance, the union flag was lowered and replaced by the royal standard above the Victoria Tower.

The royals are set to be received by the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Earl Marshall and will be escorted to the Robing Room where the Queen will don the Royal Robes before entering the chamber for her speech. 

The pound fell 0.7% on Monday as investors look increasingly skeptical that UK negotiators can reach a Brexit deal with EU officials ahead of the high-stakes summit this week.

Sterling had notched its best week in more than two years following a positive meeting between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar, his Irish counterpart.

But Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, threw cold water on the notion of major progress on Sunday, when he warned EU ambassadors that the latest negotiations had been “difficult.”

The pound is now trading at $1.255, off its recent peak of $1.27 on Friday.

The Queen has left Buckingham Palace in a golden, horse-drawn chariot, on her way to Westminster to open Parliament.

Alongside her are Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who are accompanying the Queen.

It's a short gallop to Parliament, so the royals will arrive in just a few minutes.

Boris Johnson's girlfriend Carrie Symonds, and his father Stanley, are in position in the Palace of Westminster as they await the start of the Queen's Speech.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, Johnson's leader of the House of Commons, has also taken his seat in the royal gallery.

The Queen's Speech is the most pomp-filled event in Parliament's calendar, and the proceedings are well underway.

A carriage carrying the Imperial State Crown, Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance is making its way to the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament.

The Crown Procession, carrying the three symbols of sovereign power, travel in their own state coach and arrive at Parliament before the Queen’s arrival.

Elizabeth II will leave Buckingham Palace in just a few minutes, travelling the short distance to Parliament. She will deliver her speech just after 11:30 a.m. (6:30 a.m. ET).

Inside the House of Lords, where the speech will take place, the ceremonial search of the Palace of Westminster has taken place and the Household Cavalry have lined the Sovereign's Staircase.