The first state opening of parliament under the new Labour government has been met by anti-monarchy protests this morning.

Around two hundred republicans gathered opposite parliament today, to protest against the monarchy, Charles and his role in the ceremony.

Campaigners asked “call this democracy?” and called on the new Labour government to put serious political reform on the agenda.

Campaign group Republic, which organised the protest, has said the new parliament is likely to include dozens more republicans. At a time when support for the monarchy is at an all time low, this represents a new era for the anti-monarchy movement.

The protest was also joined by Labour for a Republic.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today:

“We have just witnessed a huge democratic moment, the election of hundreds of new MPs. Yet now we must sit back and watch a king open our parliament from the unelected Lords.”

"The State Opening of Parliament should be a celebration of our democracy. Instead it is a showcase of the worst, least democratic aspects of our political system."

"Our message today is that this campaign is about more than the monarch, it's about the place of the Crown in parliament and the ramshackle state of our constitution."

"Republic continues to enjoy unprecedented growth and our protests show no sign of stopping or slowing down."

"I'm delighted that Labour for a Republic joined us today - we know lots of Labour MPs are sympathetic, and we will be working hard to win their active support."

PHOTOS and VIDEOS can be found HERE and are copyright Republic.