For the first time in its almost 700-year existence, this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show was transformed into the Lady Mayor’s Show.

Dame Susan Langley DBE is not the City of London’s inaugural female lord mayor—she is the third woman to hold this position in 697 years—but she is the first to be officially designated as the lady mayor.

The event features a procession from the City to Westminster and has its origins in the early 13th century.

In 1215, King John permitted the City of London to select its own mayor, stipulating that each newly elected mayor must journey upriver to Westminster to pledge allegiance to the King.

For over 800 years, the mayors have made this journey, and over time, the event has evolved into a grand parade.

Presently, it serves as a platform for livery companies, charities, businesses, and military units based in the City to showcase themselves through the streets of London.

The role of the Lord or Lady Mayor of London is primarily ceremonial, limited to the geographic area of the square mile that constitutes the City of London, with a new appointee selected each year.

This is distinct from the office of the Mayor of London, established in 2000, where an elected official serves a four-year term. Currently, this position is held by Sir Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor of London oversees a budget exceeding £20 billion and is responsible for transportation, policing, fire services, urban planning, and housing across Greater London.