The Sword of State was made in 1678 and was traditionally borne before the monarch after the Coronation for all formal occasions, when it would have been carried before the sovereign. The Sword of State is still used for important occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament and major ceremonies such as the investiture of The King as Prince of Wales in 1969, and certain major church services. 

As Lord President of the Council, the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP was given the honour of carrying both these swords before His Majesty, and presenting them to him. The Lord President of the Council is a cabinet position, and is head of the Privy Council. The Privy Council dates from the 13th century, and is the oldest advisory body to the Sovereign, meeting usually once a month. Today, its main function is to advise The King on giving formal effect to Proclamations and Orders in Council, legal instruments which are made under prerogative or statutory powers.