King Charles III has just delivered his speech at the State Opening of Parliament - but shortly after he arrived at the House of Lords Chamber, something rather awkward happened.
The State Opening of Parliament is surrounded by traditions that are are nod to 100s of years of history. The lavish ceremony marks the start of the parliamentary year - and this year gives the first real insight into the new Labour government's priorities.
After arriving at the Palace of Westminster in a State coach with the Household Cavalry and entering the Sovereign's Entrance, the King appeared in full royal regalia, including the Robe of State and diamond-encrusted Imperial State Crown. The room was entirely silent as the monarch arrived alongside Queen Camilla.
When the King and Queen made their way to the thrones, the House of Lords was completely silent - apart from a mobile phone which was ringing just after the King sat down. And it didn't go unnoticed by royal fans who thought it was incredibly inappropriate.
Taking to X/Twitter, one person wrote: "Mobile phone going off as #KingCharles is seated on his throne in his robes in the House of Lords. Very 21st century Britain." Another added: "Someone's mobile phone going off in the Lords before King Charles starts speaking. Bl***y kids can't keep off their devices for 2 minutes!" A third commented: "Someone’s mobile phone going off there just after the King sat down in the House of Lords…"
"Oops. Mobile phone went off during state opening of Parliament. I think that's treason," joked another.
The mobile phone was quickly silenced and the ceremony could continue. The monarch began with the words: "My Lords, pray be seated.". In another part of the speech, written by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, King Charles read; "Legislation will be brought forward to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure. A Bill will be introduced to support sustainable aviation fuel production [Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill].
"My Government recognises the need to improve water quality and a Bill will be introduced to strengthen the powers of the water regulator [Water (Special Measures) Bill]."
This isn't the first time a phone has gone off in the House of Lords, leading to embarrassment. Back in 2023, Labour peer Lord Woodley apologised after his phone started playing the Mission Impossible theme tune just as the then-environment minister Lord Douglas Miller was being introduced.
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."