British Parliament Opens

Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, prepare for the "Ceremonial Search" in the Prince's Chamber in the House of Lords, as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II gets ready to address the State Opening of Parliament in London, Nov. 15, 2006.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sits in The House of Lords awaiting the Queen's speech during the State Opening of Parliament in London Nov. 15, 2006.

A Nod To Regal Style — CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrives back at Buckingham Palace in the Australia State Coach after attending the State Opening of Parliament, in London, Nov. 15, 2006.

Queen Elizabeth II arrives back at Buckingham Palace after deliverying a speech at the state opening of Parliament on Nov. 15, 2006, in London. The Queen's Speech, the final one for Prime Minister Tony Blair, was dominated by plans to introduce legislation to combat terrorism and crime.

Queen Elizabeth II arrives back at Buckingham Palace after deliverying a speech at the state opening of Parliament on Nov. 15, 2006, in London.

Queen Elizabeth II arrives back at Buckingham Palace after delivering a speech at the state opening of Parliament on Nov. 15, 2006, in London.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, right, and Prince Philip, second from right, arrive for the State Opening of Parliament in London, Nov. 15, 2006. The British government will publish a long-awaited bill on tackling climate change in the forthcoming session of parliament, the queen announced Wednesday.

Queen Elizabeth II's procession arrives at the Sovereign's Entrance to the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament on Nov. 15, 2006, in London.

Britiain's Prince Philip, right, takes the hand of Queen Elizabeth II after she addressed politicians at the 'State Opening Of Parliament' in London, Nov. 15, 2006.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, center left, and her husband Prince Philip, center right, walk away from the Australia State Coach as they arrive at the Palace of Westminster in London for the State Opening of Parliament, Nov. 15, 2006.

Ceremonial page boys wait for transport after attending the State Opening of Parliament on Nov. 15, 2006, in London.

Members of Queen Elizabeth II's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms struggle with their ceremonial feathers after attending The State Opening of Parliament on Nov. 15, 2006, in London.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, right, reads her speech beside her page boys in The House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament in London Nov. 15, 2006.

The Guards' band march up to Buckingham Palace after Queen Elizabeth II delivered a speech at the state opening of Parliament on Nov. 15, 2006, in London.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Sovereigns Entrance of the Palace of Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament in London Nov. 15, 2006.

Britain's Prince Philip, right, holds the queen's hand as she steps down after reading her speech during the State Opening of Parliament in London Nov. 15, 2006.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, center left, and her husband Prince Philip, center right, leave the Palace of Westminster after the State Opening of Parliament in London, Nov. 15, 2006. The British government will publish a long-awaited bill on tackling climate change in the forthcoming session of parliament, Queen Elizabeth II announced Wednesday.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attend the State Opening of Parliament in London, Nov. 15, 2006.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II attends the State Opening of Parliament in London, Nov. 15, 2006.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II attends the State Opening of Parliament in London, Nov. 15, 2006.