In Pictures: Charles takes centre stage at Queen’s Speech

The Prince of Wales stood in for the Queen as the 96-year-old monarch reluctantly pulled out of the major ceremonial occasion.

The Prince of Wales has delivered the Queen’s Speech after the 96-year-old monarch reluctantly pulled out of the major ceremonial occasion following advice from her royal doctors.

The Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall, a future Queen Consort, accompanied Charles on the historic occasion.

The Prince of Wales sits by the Imperial State Crown during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London ( — The Prince of Wales sits by the Imperial State Crown during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords (Ben Stansall/PA)

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall proceed behind the Imperial State Crown through the Royal Gallery during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — Charles and Camilla, followed by the Duke of Cambridge, proceed behind the Imperial State Crown through the Royal Gallery during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords (Hannah McKay/PA)

The Duke of Cambridge walks past the Household Cavalry in the Norman Porch at the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — The Duke of Cambridge walks past the Household Cavalry in the Norman Porch at the Palace of Westminster (Aaron Chown/PA)

The Prince of Wales delivers the Queen’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — The Prince of Wales during the Queen’s Speech (Dan Kitwood/PA)

The Duke of Cambridge leaving the Palace of Westminster after attending the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — The Duke of Cambridge after attending the State Opening of Parliament (Chris Jackson/PA)

There was plenty of traditional pomp and ceremony on display at the State Opening of Parliament.

Members of the Household Cavalry prepare at the Sovereign’s Entrance to the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — Members of the Household Cavalry at the Sovereign’s Entrance to the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords (Chris Jackson/PA)

Yeoman of the Guard walk among the seats in the House of Lords Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — Yeomen of the Guard walk among the seats in the House of Lords Chamber (Ben Stansall/PA)

Lady usher of the Black Rod walks through the Norman Porch for the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London — Lady Usher of the Black Rod walks through the Norman Porch for the State Opening of Parliament (Aaron Chown/PA)

Lifeguards from the Household Cavalry outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — Lifeguards from the Household Cavalry outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the State Opening of Parliament (Steve Parsons/PA)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and the leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer walk through the Central Lobby at the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London — Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer walk through the Central Lobby at the Palace of Westminster ahead of the State Opening of Parliament (Yui Mok/PA)