Political tensions are mounting in the United Kingdom as Prime Minister Keir Starmer battles growing unrest within his government ahead of the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament.

Amid speculation about possible efforts to unseat the prime minister, London was preparing Wednesday for the centuries-old traditions surrounding the event, including the royal bodyguards’ torchlit inspection of Parliament’s underground cellars for explosives.

Despite intensifying pressure over his leadership, Starmer moved forward with plans for the new parliamentary session, even as questions swirled about his political future following his attempt to confront a mounting rebellion inside the governing Labour Party.

At the center of the ceremony is King Charles III, who is scheduled to deliver the King’s Speech — a formal address outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the coming year.

Although the speech is written by the government and reflects Starmer’s policy priorities, analysts say uncertainty over the prime minister’s grip on power has overshadowed the event.

“There’s deep uncertainty as to whether Starmer will be leading the government over the next 12 months or so,” said Craig Prescott of Royal Holloway, University of London, who specializes in the monarchy’s constitutional role.

The State Opening of Parliament remains one of Britain’s most elaborate political traditions, blending royal pageantry with the formal launch of the government’s legislative program.