Speech from the Throne
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Speech from the Throne (or Throne Speech) is an event in certain monarchies in which the monarch (or a representative) reads a prepared speech to a complete session of parliament, outlining the government's agenda for the coming year. This event is often held annually, although in some places it may occur more or less frequently whenever a new session of parliament is opened. In all locations, the speech from the throne is not written by the head of state who reads it, but rather by the government.
In the United Kingdom, the speech from the throne is commonly called the Queen's Speech and is part of a lavish affair known as the State Opening of Parliament, with many formalities and traditions, including the Queen's wearing of her official state crown. It is not all formality as subsequently both Houses, the House of Commons and the Lords, hold a debate and can vote on the speech. This vote is held to constitute a motion of confidence in the government which if lost would result in the end of that government[1]. In other Commonwealth Realms, if the Queen does not read it herself, the Governor-General reads the throne speech. Furthermore, in some Commonwealth Realms such as Australia and Canada, a throne speech is also prepared by state or provincial governments to outline local plans and is read by the respective Governors of the Australian states or Lieutenant-Governor of the Canadian provinces, who represent the sovereign at the subnational level.
Other monarchies, such as the Netherlands (Day of the Princes) and Norway, have similar throne speech ceremonies as well.
In most cases, the speech is read in a neutral voice, and although the Head of State may refer to "my government", it is clearly established that the speech is not meant to imply endorsement or support for the stated policies.
In Japan, the Emperor makes only a short greeting speech on Diet opening ceremony. He does not refer to any government policies. The prime minister makes the policy speech instead.
Many republics, especially those who are members of the Commonwealth or former British colonies also hold a yearly event in which the president gives a speech to a joint session of the legislature, such as the State of the Union address given by the President of the United States. Where the President is the political head of the government the speech is more partisan in character.
