This includes a speech given by the prime minister, in which she gives her assessment of the situation in the Scandinavian nation as the new political year begins. The opening speech is usually attended by the monarch and members of the royal family, who watch from the Folketinget parliament’s Royal Box in the Christiansborg parliament. After members of parliament attend a morning service at the nearby Christiansborg Slotskirke church – which is also used for royal ceremonies – the royal family members arrive at Christiansborg for the opening ceremony, where they are received by the Speaker.