Pension reform, energy policy and corruption are among the issues expected to feature in the Queen's speech at the state opening of parliament later on Wednesday.
Lady Mary Soames, the last surviving child of Britain's World War II prime minister Winston Churchill, has died at the age of 91, her family announced Sunday.
The countdown began on Friday to the moment at midnight when same-sex marriage becomes law in England and Wales, the final stage in the long fight for equality for gay men and lesbians.
Britain will on Wednesday submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council condemning suspected chemical attacks in Syria and demanding "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.
The United States and its allies built their case Wednesday for likely military action against the regime in war-torn Syria over alleged chemical weapons attacks, despite stern warnings from Russia.
