Queen delegates opening of Parliament for first time

Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign has entered new territory after, for the first time in seven decades, she delegated the formal opening of Parliament to her son and heir, Prince Charles

LONDON -- Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign entered new territory Tuesday when, for the first time in seven decades, she delegated the formal opening of Parliament to her son and heir, Prince Charles.

The ceremony, which includes the reading of the Queen’s Speech laying out the government’s legislative program, is considered an important symbol of the monarch’s constitutional role as head of state.

The queen’s decision to delegate her role to Charles is likely to be seen by the public as evidence that a transition is underway, with the 96-year-old monarch remaining on the throne but turning over more responsibilities to Charles.

“The heir is teetering on the edge of becoming a de facto prince regent. William will observe what awaits him,” said former BBC royal reporter Peter Hunt. “With the queen progressively withdrawing from public life, the palace is keen to show the monarchy is safe in the hands of father and son.”