However, putting the pro-British unionist DUP in a position of influence in London could also undermine the British government's ability, enshrined in a 1998 peace agreement, to function as an impartial broker between Northern Ireland's unionists and its Catholic Irish nationalists. The London Fire Brigade said fire crews would be tackling the fire for at least the next 24 hours.
Following a botched gamble on a snap election, Ms May's Conservative Party resumed talks on Wednesday with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) on securing the support of its 10 members of parliament to pass legislation.
European Union leaders have voiced growing impatience to start Brexit negotiations, which have already been delayed by the parliamentary election - and on which the clock is ticking.
However, sufficient progress in the talks with the DUP has been made to allow the state opening to be scheduled, a government source said.
"I congratulate her on returning and I'm sure she'll agree with me that democracy is a wondrous thing, and can throw up some very unexpected results", he said.
A Downing Street spokesman said details will be discussed and agreed by cabinet on Monday, after which more information is likely to be released.
Before travelling to the French capital, Mrs May had been leading the talks with the DUP.
Discussions in Westminster are continuing without Theresa May after she left for Paris for a pre-arranged meeting with newly elected president Emmanuel Macron.
The Conservatives are trying to reach an accord with the party after losing their majority - and with it, their right to govern Britain on their own - in last week's national election.
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The Troubles consumed Northern Ireland for more than 30 years
Nigel Farage, UKIP, and the Brexit referendum may one day be counted among the saviours of the European Union.
In his Mansion House speech, Hammond was expected to make the case for a so-called "soft" Brexit, which prioritizes economic considerations over the more "hard" Brexit approach, which focuses more on limiting immigration and restoring sovereignty.
"The parliamentary arithmetic is such that we are going to have to work with everyone", he said.
EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier arrives at the EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, March 9, 2017. "It's passing quicker than anyone believes".
She said: "We have been very clear that we want to keep a close relationship with the EU".
He added: "I'm sure we all look forward to welcoming the Queen's Speech just as soon as the coalition of chaos has been negotiated". Labour may say they're in favor of Brexit now, but it's crystal clear that the socialists are in their hearts Europhiles.
When French President Emmanuel Macron met Mrs May in Paris on Tuesday, he said the door was open for Britain to remain a member of the European Union until talks ended.
The Conservatives, who have 317 MPs, are looking to strike a deal with the DUP, who have 10.
"We don't think there is a need to further delay a process that should be put in place to address the needs of the people of Northern Ireland", he said.
London fire: Tower victims 'may never be identified'
Another large group of protesters stormed the town hall of Kensington and Chelsea, the borough in which Grenfell Tower is located. Extra fire safety checks were immediately organised across local authorities, including Camden, Newham, Croydon and Redbridge.
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