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King Charles’ Parliament Speech Has Royal Fans Pointing Out the Obvious Irony

King Charles’ Digital ID speech left netizens amused as they pointed out the irony of the centuries-old royal ceremony.

King Charles delivers the King's Speech in the House of Lords Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament on May 13, 2026, in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)
King Charles delivers the King's Speech in the House of Lords Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament on May 13, 2026, in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)

King Charles wore his finest cape and heaviest crown to deliver the King’s Speech for the 2026 state opening of Parliament. During his speech, he mentioned the introduction of Digital IDs, but online users could not stop themselves from pointing out the obvious. The irony of the moment is that Charles delivers a futuristic message while sitting on a gold throne, complete with ceremonial robes and a diamond-studded crown that looked like it came from a different century. 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla smile during the King's Speech in the House of Lord's Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament on May 13, 2026 in London, England (Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)
King Charles III and Queen Camilla smile during the King's Speech in the House of Lords Chamber during the State Opening of Parliament on May 13, 2026, in London. (Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)

A user on X wrote, “Sorry, but you can't chat about things like digital ID when dressed as if you're living in the 16th century.” The post certainly went viral among royal family fans and non-fans alike, leading to polarising opinions. Statements started to pour in from both sides, with one saying, “This is like a sci-fi novel with an old-world monarchy.” Another user chimed in, saying, “It’s so ridiculous. Do we really need this antiquated ritual anymore?”

Meanwhile, not everyone agrees that the century-old tradition should be mocked or abandoned. Some users defended the royal ceremony, arguing that the historic robes, crowns, and rituals are part of what makes a country unique. One person wrote, “Why do you guys hate tradition and want everything to be bland?” Others emphasized that the very contrast between old royal customs and modern politics is exactly what the institution has always represented. Watch the video here!

King Charles III sits besides Queen Camilla during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster on May 13, 2026 in London, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Kirsty Wigglesworth)
King Charles III sits beside Queen Camilla during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster on May 13, 2026, in London. (Image Source: Getty Images | Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Among the many policies confirmed during the King’s Speech, including plans related to national security, housing, and business, the long-discussed introduction of Digital IDs was finally given the green light. Charles said, “My Ministers will also proceed with the introduction of Digital ID that will modernise how citizens interact with public services.”

The Digital ID system would not be mandatory, but it would give people another way to prove who they are online, especially if they do not have things like a passport or driving licence. Supporters think it could make everyday stuff like job applications or mortgage checks quicker and easier. But plenty of people are still unsure about the idea, mainly because of privacy concerns and worries about how much information could end up stored digitally.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla departs from the Sovereign's Entrance following the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster on May 13, 2026 in London, England (Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown)
King Charles III and Queen Camilla depart from the Sovereign's Entrance following the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster on May 13, 2026, in London. (Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown)

It wasn't just the outfits that were ceremonial. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the Palace of Westminster in the traditional Irish State Coach, keeping up the royal pageantry that comes with the State Opening of Parliament. Camilla chose a white embroidered gown and the diamond-covered George IV State Diadem for the occasion, while Charles went ahead with the Imperial State Crown.

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