King Charles III of England said in his first speech to parliament after his accession that he looks forward to a state visit by President Yoon and his wife.
King Charles III said this during a ‘King’s speech’ held in Westminster Parliament on the morning of the 7th (local time).
“I am looking forward to welcoming the South Korean president and Mrs. Kim Gun-hee, who are visiting this month,” the king said.
The King said in English, ‘His Excellency The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs. It was called Kim Keon Hee.
The British King’s speech announcing the government’s key policies at the opening ceremony of the parliament is called ‘King’s Speech.’ During Queen Elizabeth II, it was called ‘Queen’s speech’.
President Yoon is visiting the UK at the invitation of King Charles III to celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Britain this month. President Yoon is the first state guest to be invited since Charles III’s crowning ceremony last May.
On the 8th, the king visits New Malden, the largest Korean town in Europe, for the first time. The purpose is to communicate with the Korean community to celebrate President Yoon’s state visit and the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the British.
In his speech, the king first paid tribute to the deceased queen and then outlined 21 bills that the government is pushing for the passage of the session, including approving new oil and gas development in the North Sea, curbing underage smoking, and tightening severe criminal penalties.
He then mentioned President Yoon’s state visit after revealing the direction and plans of Britain’s foreign policy, including support for Ukraine and humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
The King left Buckingham Palace on the same day in a diamond Jubilee carriage with his wife, Queen Kermilla, and arrived in the Senate.
Unlike the aging queen, who recently wore casual clothes in a car and did not wear a crown, the king followed the conventional ceremony.
The king once read ‘Queen’s Speech’ on behalf of the unhindered Queen in May last year.
It’s been 70 years since the monarch’s parliamentary opening speech became a ‘king’ speech, but the last time it was actually held was 1950, before George VI lay on his sick seat.
The next ‘King’s Speech’ is expected to be after the general election, which is expected next spring or fall.
For Prime Minister Rishi Sunac, who took office in October last year, this is the first opportunity to put out a policy blueprint and one last chance before the next general election. Considering that the ruling Conservative Party continues to fall behind in recent polls, this may be my last time.
SOPHIA KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
