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Royal fans have been left rolling their eyes after a mobile phone went off just before the King’s Speech today.
The Monarch, 75, addressed MPs and peers in the House of Lords in London this morning for the first time since Labour’s landslide election win.
The ceremony and the delivery of a speech by royalty can be traced back as far as the 16th century.
But a technological mishap before the event began served as a stark reminder that today’s world is very different to the days of the 16th century when the first State Opening of Parliament was carried out – as someone’s phone ringtone sounded throughout the historic building.
The room remained silent as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in lavish royal regalia, including the Robe of State and glitzy Imperial State Crown, encrusted with jewels.
A mobile phone ringtone could be heard echoing in the historic building today as King Charles sat down
The ceremony and the delivery of a speech by royalty can be traced back as far as the 16th century
It was also caught on camera, with footage showing King Charles sitting down on the throne alongside his wife Queen Camilla – who is celebrating her 77th birthday today – and several of his trusted Pages of Honours for the historic occasion.
Several Pages of Honour helped arrange the King’s robes. Wearing traditional uniforms, schoolboys William Sackville, Ralph Tollemache, Alfred Wellesley, Guy Tryon, William Keswick and Arthur Elliot helped the King and Queen settle for the historic occasion.
However, just as they finish arranging Charles’ robe, a mobile phone can be heard ringing for a couple of seconds, before it is swiftly turned off.
The Monarch then said: ‘My Lords, pray be seated,’ before the entire room sat down on their chairs.
This embarrassing moment did not go unnoticed by royal fans, who pointed it out on X, formerly known as Twitter.
One joked: ‘Oops mobile phone went off during state opening of Parliament. I think that’s treason.’
Another penned: ‘Mobile phone going off as King Charles is seated on his throne in his robe in the House of Lords, very 21st century Britain.’
The Monarch, 75, addressed MPs and peers in the House of Lords in London this morning for the first time since Labour ‘s landslide election win
The Monarch then said: ‘My Lords, pray be seated,’ before the entire room sat down on their chairs
This embarrassing moment did not go unnoticed by royal fans, who pointed it out on X, formerly known as Twitter
A third said: ‘A mobile phone goes off inside the House of Lords as his Majesty the King arrives to open Parliament.’
However, this is not the first time a phone has interrupted the House of Lords.
Last year, Labour peer Lord Woodley apologised after his device rang and played the Mission Impossible theme tune, just after they introduced Lord Douglas Miller.
In a statement in Parliament, Lord Woodley said: ‘Could I first of all apologise to the Speaker and particularly to our new lord Douglas Miller for my phone going off. I’ve never been so embarrassed in all my life. I’m sincerely sorry.’
Members of the public have also been frustrated by the use of mobile phones by MPs and Lords in the Houses of Parliament,
One stated: ‘They set these rules for others. It’s clear it’s a problem for them. They should follow the same rules they set others.’
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