The King has delivered his speech outlining the government’s agenda for the year as Keir Starmer fights to stay on as Prime Minister.
Nearly 100 Labour MPs are prepared to oust Starmer as the government faces a political fallout following last week’s electoral losses.
Charles said on Wednesday the Government will “defend the British values of decency, tolerance and respect for difference under our common flag” and will take “urgent action to tackle antisemitism and ensure all communities feel safe”.
He added that the government will enact laws in response to the “horrific attack” in Southport in 2024 with measures to “protect the British people from extreme violence, and honour the victims, the injured and their families”.
Charles wore his Admiral of the Fleet Royal Naval Number 1 Dress with cap and sword as he addressed Parliament.
The speech included more than 35 bills covering immigration, the NHS, police reform, and the nationalisation of British Steel.
But with Starmer’s position under pressure, it is unclear whether he will still be PM to deliver on the government’s agenda.
The speech was written by the government and represents the symbolic role of the monarch in the constitution, through whom parliamentary power is formally exercised.
MPs will debate the legislative agenda and vote on it during the parliamentary session.
This is the third time King Charles has delivered the speech as monarch, though he also stood in for Queen Elizabeth II when she was unwell in May 2022.
The King was met with protesters as he arrived at the House of Lords to deliver his speech.
Republic protesters shouted “free Palestine” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” outside the House of Lords as the King passed in his carriage.
They held up a sign saying “Stop MPs taking pro-Israel lobbying money”.
Next to it, another sign on Parliament Street said: “Don’t let Farage + Reform divide the country.”
The largest placard read: “End Zionism control of UK politics. Break the alliance with Israel.”
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