The Imperial State Crown and horse-drawn coach are dusted down for the State Opening of Parliament every May. The formal start of the parliamentary year is marked by a speech from the queen, setting out the government's agenda for the coming season.
The Windsor Annual Horse Show is one of the queen's favorite fixtures. The annual international competition is held in mid-May for five days, and both the queen and Prince Philip competed when they were younger.
Three times every Summer, the grounds of Buckingham Palace are awash with scones and fascinators as the queen hosts her annual garden parties. The events recognize those in public service — so guests include people from charities, organizations, and the civil service. William and Kate often attend, and the 8,000 guests enjoy on average 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches, and 20,000 slices of cake.
Chelsea Flower Show is held every year at the end of May, and the queen attends as patron of the Royal Horticultural Society. Prince Harry has been involved in recent years, as his charity Sentebale often exhibits a garden.
