Elizabeth II delivered the throne speech before the new Parliament

Britain has taken additional precautions to protect Queen Elizabeth II before her performance. The member of Parliament has become hostage in Buckingham Palace, and guards with flashlights reviewed the cellars in the Palace of Westminster.

These are some of the traditions that went back hundreds of years, but continue to grace the annual event in which the monarch outlines the policy of the incoming government and officially opens the new session of Parliament.

Before the Queen went to the house of Parliament, members of Parliament were locked up in Buckingham Palace. This tradition was developed in a time when between Parliament and the Royal unions had little trust of the legislator held hostage to ensure the safe return of the monarch.

Because the Queen's safety is paramount, the oldest of the Royal bodyguards of Britain, took the lights and checked the cellars of the houses of Parliament to search for explosives. This tradition goes back to 1605 when guy Fawkes with the help of 12 other assistants moved 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of lords in an attempt to blow up Parliament.

As soon as the Queen was satisfied that she has a hostage, and that the basement was searched, she left the Palace in a gilded horse-drawn carriage with cavalry complete home. The Queen arrived in Parliament and went to Robinsou the room where she wore the Imperial state crown. She then held a Royal procession through the Royal gallery in the upper house of Parliament - the House of lords. The Queen sat on a gilded throne with her husband, Prince Philip, who usually sits on a lower throne next to her.

Then the Queen read the text of the speech from the throne, which gave her the Lord Chancellor. Deputies and members of the Cabinet listened to it standing. Having finished his speech, the Queen left the House of lords, and Parliament started to work.

sections: Politics, World News