Britain's Queen Elizabeth II travels from Buckingham palace to deliver a speech at the state opening of parliament.
The occasion was full of the traditional pomp and ceremony that accompanies the yearly event.
Addressing both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, the Queen laid out the legislative priorities for the year ahead.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) QUEEN ELIZABETH II:
"My government's legislative programme will focus on economic growth justice and constitutional reform. My ministers' first priority will be to reduce the deficit and restore economic stability."
The Queen announced a package of measures and government bills, put together by the ruling coalition government whose leaders were in attendance.
Prime Minister David Cameron is under renewed pressure to tackle the country's budget deficit after the UK entered a double dip recession and his party suffered in local elections.
Other measures included measures to support families and children, break up the banks, and protect the UK from liability for future EU bailouts.
The Queen also announced a controversial reform of the House of Lords, which could result in an 80% elected upper house.
In total, the speech set out 19 government bills including four in draft forms.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.
