Buckingham Palace 'hostage' released after King Charles safe return

Buckingham Palace ‘hostage’ has been released after King Charles returned home safely after he attended the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster.

A British MP was held 'hostage' at palace to ensure the monarch’s safe return, a centuries-old tradition, as King Charles delivered crucial speech to the State Opening of Parliament.

King Charles told US Congress last month, "As you may know, when I address my own Parliament at Westminster, we still follow an age-old tradition and take a member of Parliament ‘hostage'.”

This year Nic Dakin, currently the MP for Scunthorpe and the surrounding area, was held hostage at palace for King Charles safe return.

He took to X, formerly Twitter handle and tweeted, “Off to Buckingham Palace to be the “hostage” ensuring HM The King’s safe return when he opens Parliament - a tradition dating back to Charles I. Not sure I’m looking forward to it, but glad to play my part!”

Later, according to AFP, King Charles outlined PM Keir Starmer´s legislative plans during a pomp-filled ceremony Wednesday.

Despite its name, the King's Speech is not written by the monarch but by the government, which uses it to detail the laws it proposes over the next 12 months.

Following King Charles speech, Nic Dakin has seemingly been released from the palace.

Later, the palace shared photos of King Charles and Queen Camilla, saying “The King and Queen have attended the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster.

“The ceremonial event formally marks the beginning of each parliamentary year. It is the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of Parliament - the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons - meet.”

Today was the third occasion in which King Charles has opened Parliament as Sovereign.