The Speech from the Throne: A Constitutional Tradition Since 1929 and Royal Attire in Two Colors

Al-Taj News – Today, the occasion of the Speech from the Throne is renewed with His Majesty King Abdullah II opening the proceedings of the third ordinary session of the National Assembly, in a constitutional tradition dating back to 1929, associated with special royal ceremonies—most notably the Throne attire worn by His Majesty during the opening of parliamentary sessions.

The first Speech from the Throne in the era of the Emirate of Transjordan dates back to 1929, while the first Speech from the Throne in the era of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was delivered in 1946. His Majesty King Abdullah II delivered his first Speech from the Throne in 1999, following his assumption of constitutional powers.

The late King Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein, the Founder, had assigned the Prime Minister to deliver the Speech from the Throne on six occasions between 1929 and 1947, while the tradition of the King personally delivering the Speech from the Throne continued during subsequent parliamentary sessions.

Article 79 of the Jordanian Constitution stipulates that the King opens the ordinary session of the National Assembly by delivering the Speech from the Throne before the Senate and the House of Representatives convened together, and he may delegate the Prime Minister or one of the ministers to conduct the opening ceremonies and deliver the speech.

The Speech from the Throne reviews national policies and orientations related to internal and external affairs, and serves as an occasion to present the Royal vision regarding paths of reform, modernization, and the challenges facing the Kingdom.

Previous Speeches from the Throne addressed topics of political, economic, and administrative reform, strengthening national unity, and developing services, education, and health, in addition to the Palestinian cause and defending Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem within the framework of the Hashemite Custodianship.