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Ceremonial activities have long been associated with the monarchy. Many traditional ceremonies and other ceremonial functions take place. These include:
Other major ceremonial events include the Coronation, royal marriages and royal funerals. State Opening of ParliamentThe Queen formally opens the new session of Parliament each year, usually in October or November. She travels in the State Coach to the Palace of Westminster and wears the Imperial State Crown and parliamentary robe for the ceremony itself. The Queen's Speech to the members of both Houses of Parliament is written by the Government of the day, and outlines the legislation which the Government plans to introduce into Parliament in the coming session.Trooping the ColourThe Sovereign's birthday is officially celebrated every June by the ceremony of Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade. Although The Queen was born on 21 April, it has long been customary to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday publicly on a day in the summer.Trooping the Colour is carried out by fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division. The ceremony dates back to the early 18th century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or 'trooped') down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers. Since 1748, this parade has also marked the Sovereign's official birthday and, since Edward VII's reign, the Sovereign has taken the salute in person at Trooping the Colour. InvestituresThe Queen (and the Prince of Wales or, occasionally, another member of the Royal Family on The Queen's behalf) hold 22 Investitures each year. They distribute awards granted to both civilians and members of the armed forces. This involves presenting about 3,000 Orders, decorations and medals each year.The Investitures usually take place at Buckingham Palace, although they have also been held in Edinburgh and Cardiff. Royal Garden PartiesOver 30,000 people attend Royal Garden Parties each year. During the summer, at least three are held at Buckingham Palace and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s. In some years, The Queen gives an additional garden party to honour a large national organisation celebrating a special anniversary, such as the Red Cross or, for example, to mark the Year of the Disabled. People from all sections of the community are invited, usually through organisations with lists on a prearranged quota (e.g. the Government, Armed Services, Diplomatic Corps) to ensure a representative cross-section of the national life is invited. State VisitsThe Queen acts as host to the Heads of State of Commonwealth and other countries when they pay formal visits to Britain. Guests stay at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse. State banquets, receptions and other entertainment are held, and there are visits to places of interest to the visiting Head of State. When Heads of State visit Britain less formally, they are nearly always entertained or received by The Queen.Other dutiesOther duties include:
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