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The Speech from the Throne, sometimes referred to by the shorter term Throne Speech, is an event in certain monarchies in which the monarch (or a represenative) reads a prepared speech to a complete session of parliament, outlining the government's agenda for the coming year. This event is often held annually, although in some places it may occur more or less frequently whenever a new session of parliament is opened. In all locations, the speech from the throne is not written by the head of state who reads it, but rather by the majority party in (the lower house of) parliament.
In the United Kingdom, the speech from the throne is commonly called the Queen's Speech and is part of a lavish affair known as the State Opening of Parliament, with many formalities and traditions, including the Queen's wearing of her official state crown. In other Commonwealth Realms, the Governor General (or on very rare occasions, the Queen herself) reads the throne speech. Furthermore, in some Commonwealth Realms such as Australia and Canada, a throne speech is also prepared by state or provincial governments to outline local plans and is read by the respective Governors of the Australian states or Lieutenant Governors of the Canadian provinces, who represent the sovereign at the subnational level.
Other monarchical countries, such as The Netherlands and Japan, have similar throne speech ceremonies as well.
In most cases, the speech is read in a neutral voice, and although the Head of State may refer to "my government," it is clearly established that the speech is not meant to imply endorsement or support for the stated policies.
Many republics, especially those who are members of the Commonwealth or former British colonies also hold a yearly event in which the president gives a speech to a joint session of the legislature.
See Also
State of the Union Address
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