Queen's Speech 2016: Monarch uses the lift in Parliament instead of taking the stairs for the first time

Queen Elizabeth II proceeds through the Royal Gallery before the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords (Getty Images)

The Queen made a departure from tradition today by opting to take the lift instead of the stairs during the State Opening of Parliament.

During the Queen’s Speech, the monarch, who turned 90 last month, used the lift for the first time.

In doing so, she avoided the 26 stairs of the Royal Staircase of the Sovereign’s Entrance. Buckingham Palace said the change was made for the Queen’s comfort.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “During today’s State Opening of Parliament, The Queen used the lift at Sovereign’s Entrance rather than the stairs on a rival and departure.

“This modest adjustment to the arrangements was made for the Queen’s comfort.”

Aside from the minor adjustment, the State Opening was as traditional as ever. The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod led the procession into the House banging on the door three times before she entered. The Queen, dressed in royal robes and the imperial crown, delivered the speech in just under nine minutes as she sat on the throne alongside the Duke of Edinburgh.