29 tweets that TOTALLY nail the Queen's Speech

From Digital Spy

The government's agenda for the next two years was unveiled today (June 21) in exciting new HRH drama "The Queen's Speech", which was broadcast on live TV and had somehow avoided spoilers altogether.

Yet the state opening of parliament is steeped in such pomp and tradition it was an obvious moment for particularly observant Brits – and confused international viewers – to bask in the ridiculousness of it all on social media.

While the Queen read out how Theresa May's government will try and tackle the massive issue that is Brexit, Brits were merrily memeing away, unable to deal with the Queen's crown getting a car to itself and some guy called Black Rod…

Black Rod-mania sweeps the nation

First things first: for some reason a gentleman known as Black Rod is sent from the Lords Chamber (has he been there all year?) to summon the MPs back to the Lords to hear the Queen's Speech.

When he arrives at the Commons, the door is traditionally slammed in his face (charming) to symbolise the Commons' independence. He then has to bang the door three times before he is allowed in where he leads the procession of MPs.

And Twitter couldn't help notice…

Dennis Skinner, Supreme Heckler

Veteran MP for Bolsover, 85-year-old Dennis Skinner, makes it his mission to heckle the Black Rod at every Queen's Speech. Past highlights have included: "Tell her to read The Guardian", "You're nowt but a midget!" and, "Have you got Helen Mirren on standby?"

This year was no different. "Get yer skates on, first race is half past two," he said, probably referring to the Queen's appearance coinciding with Royal Ascot.

The One where the Queen wore the EU flag

Because of the sudden nature of the snap election and Queen's Speech, this year was slightly more dressed down than usual, with the Queen opting to wear a blue dress and hat rather than her crown and ceremonial gowns.

Don't fear, though – the Crown still made an appearance on its very own cushion after being chauffeur-driven in its own car. And Ma'am has some epic taste…

Prince Charles'big moment

This morning it was announced that the Duke of Edinburgh would be missing the speech because he was taken to hospital with an infection last night "as a precautionary measure".

That meant that the Queen took along future King and son Prince Charles instead – which people had a lot of feelings about.

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn's awkward entrance

As leader of the government and leader of the opposition, Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn entered the Commons together. While Brits normally have a knack for on-the-spot small talk about the weather, May and Corbyn decided against it.

As The BBC reported: "They walked in silence most of the way. She did eventually say something to him – not sure what – but his succinct reply was: 'No.'"

Ouch.

What was ACTUALLY said in the speech

It's no surprise that the majority of the Queen's Speech involved legislation about what the government will do about leaving the EU. However, many noticed that key controversial manifesto pledges – including a vote on whether to bring back fox hunting, abolishing free school meals for children and bringing back grammar schools – were entirely absent following May's disappointing election result.

Oh, that postponed state visit from Donald Trump was also missed out, while one from the King and Queen of Spain was included.

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