Prince Charles on Tuesday addressed the ceremonial opening of the UK parliament, standing in for his 96-year-old mother Queen Elizabeth II who was absent due to mobility problems. He opened parliament as his mother Queen Elizabeth II missed the ceremony for the first time since 1963, handing the duty to her heir in a clear sign of the looming transition of power. The queen has missed the occasion only twice during her 70-year reign – in 1959, and 1963, when she was pregnant with sons Andrew and Edward, respectively.