King Charles III makes history at State Opening Of parliament

King Charles III made history when addressed the United Kingdom’s parliament - but not all went smoothly. Watch video.

King Charles III became the first King since 1950 to formally open new Parliamentary session in the United Kingdom.

In his first address since ascending the throne, the King said the government would introduce tougher life sentences for killers and ban cigarettes to create a smoke-free generation.

The King’s landmark speech was the first time a male monarch spoke to a new Parliamentary session since his father, King George VI, spoke of Britain’s involvement during the Korean War.

The late Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 and delivered the address throughout her 70 year reign.

King Charles III, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, and Britain's Queen Camilla, wearing the George IV State Diadem. Picture: AFP

Previewing 16 bills put forward by the UK’s Conservative government, the King sat on the gold plated Throne in the House of Lords with Queen Camilla at his side.

“My government will introduce legislation to create a smoke-free generation and restrict the sale of tobacco so children aged 14 and younger can never be sold cigarettes and to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes,” he said.

Draped in crimson robes trimmed with white ermine bars, King Charles set out the priorities for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that included making the UK energy efficient and reduce its reliance on volatile markets.

Charles III is the first King to address the opening session of parliament since 1950. Picture: AFP

The next 12 months would also focus on reducing hospital waiting times and introducing longer prison terms.

“A bill will be brought forward to ensure tougher sentences for the most serious offenders and increase the confidence of victims,” he said.

“My ministers will introduce legislation to empower police forces and the criminal justice system to prevent new or complex crimes, such as digitally enabled crime and child sexual abuse.”

He said at a time when threats to national security are changing rapidly due to new technology, the government would give security and intelligence services the powers they need and strengthen independent judicial oversight.

“My ministers will put the security of communities and the nation ahead of the rights of those who endanger it,” the King said.

The King previewed the government’s priorities for the next 12 months. Picture: AFP

“By taking these long-term decisions, my government will change this country and build a better future.

“By working with NHS England, my government will deliver plans to cut waiting lists and transform the long-term workforce of the National Health Service.

“This will include delivering on the NHS workforce, with the first long term long-term plan to train doctors and nurses the country needs and the minimum service levels to prevent strikes from undermining patient safety,” he said.

Anti-monarchy protesters heckle King Charles III and Queen Camilla with "Not My King" placards. Picture: AFP

He said Sunak's government would pour record levels of investment into expanding and transforming mental health services to ensure more people can access the support they need and help support more people into work.

On education, the king said his government planned to strengthen education in the long term and reduce the number of students studying poor quality degrees.

The king confirmed his Government planned to create a new body to oversee football in a move recommended by the fan-led review.

The King and Queen travelled in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Picture: AFP

The Bill required to create the regulator could be introduced before the end of the year alongside a bill to deal “with the scourge of unlicensed pedicabs in London,” he said.

Referring to the Israel Gaza war, he said: “My government is committed to tackling anti Semitism, of ensuring that the Holocaust is never forgotten.

“A bill will progress the construction of a national Holocaust Memorial and learning centre in Victoria Tower Guard.

“My government will continue to champion security around the world to invest in our gallant armed forces and to support veterans and work closely with international partners to support Ukraine, strengthen NATO, and address the most pressing security challenges, including the consequences of the barbaric acts of terrorism against the people of Israel, facilitating humanitarian support into Gaza and supporting the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East,” the king said.

On climate change he said the British government would continue to lead action on tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, support developing countries with the energy of transition and hold other countries to their “environmental commitments.