AFP, Published on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 5:24 pm.

“Historic moment” in the United Kingdom: Prince Charles delivered the traditional speech from the throne in place of his mother Elizabeth II on Tuesday detailing the government’s legislative ambitions in parliament, the Queen had left on the advice of her doctors.

Bringing a new sign of the British monarchy’s ongoing transition to the effects of the 96-year-old sovereign’s health problems, it was Prince Charles who arrived in Parliament as the anthem “God Save the Queen”.

Reading a speech on behalf of the Queen at the opening of the parliamentary session, the heir to the crown, 73, in a decorated uniform, sat on a throne reserved for the throne, which was symbolically smaller than that of the monarch. He was accompanied by his wife Camilla, 74, and his eldest son, Prince William, 39, for the first time, further evidence of the changing generations.

The crown was placed on the pillow.

It is only the third time in his 70-year reign that the 96-year-old head of state has missed this serious appointment of British democracy. Pregnant, she was absent in 1959 and 1963.

It is also the first time that the Prince of Wales, who has already represented her abroad for many years and is taking an increasing number of positions, has replaced her.

Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that the Queen had been expected to attend long before she had “reluctantly decided not to participate in the speech from the throne” due to her “episodic mobility issues”.

Hints to the Daily Mail, that the Queen is “still really in charge”: “But make no mistake, this is a historic moment for the Crown”.

His absence raises questions about his participation in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in early June, which marked his 70-year reign.

The Queen’s last public appearance was on March 29 at a memorial service for her late husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.

– win back votes –

On a political level, the speech reflects a desire for 57-year-old Boris Johnson to revive, days after a massive setback in local elections and two years before the next legislative elections.

After coming to power triumphantly in July 2019, the conservative leader has seen his popularity decline in recent months, against a backdrop of a purchasing power crisis, criticism of his handling of the pandemic and the “Partygate” scandal that earned him a fine. done, the first in office for the head of government.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on his government’s legislative programme, Boris Johnson assured that it responds to the United Kingdom’s “economic challenges” and will “build the foundation for decades of prosperity”.

Rejecting 38 bills, the speech promised to “strengthen the economy and help reduce the cost of living”, which will help homes cope with rising prices. Millions of Britons no longer have enough to eat, according to a study published by the Food Foundation.

The text includes measures likely to appeal to a conservative base, in particular laws intended to reduce red tape after the United Kingdom exits the European Union, which will take full effect in 2021.

The government also wants to stop the “guerrilla techniques” of groups such as Extinction Rebellion that have demonstrated by blocking roads or public transport and modifying the law to make it easier to deport foreign criminals.

Opposition Labor leader Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of being “out of touch with reality” and that his government has failed to avoid “challenges”, warning of the risk of “stagflation”, which can lead to low growth and high inflation. connects to.

Also criticized for sharing beer and curry with a team from his party last year, Keir Starmer on Monday put pressure on the prime minister’s shoulders to resign even if he is fined for breaking the rules. Anti-Covid Rule.