Key role Black Rod plays in the State Opening of Parliament

07 November 2023 , 07:00

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The current Black Rod walks alongside Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle (Image: PA)

The Government’s plan for what laws it wants to introduce before the next election will be read out in Parliament today by King Charles. It will be his first King’s Speech since becoming monarch - although he gave the Queen's Speech on behalf of his mother in May 2022.

Amongst the pomp and ceremony a key duty will be performed by an unusually dressed figure in the Houses of Parliament, whose role has existed for centuries.

What is Black Rod?

Black Rod is actually a person, who is named after the staff they carry while performing their duties in Parliament. The role has existed for more than 650 years, with the first known record way back in 1361.

Since then there are thought to have been 60 holders of the position. The person who has the job is a senior office in the House of Lords. The position of Black Rod also exists in Commonwealth countries Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The person who has the job wears a distinctive black outfit with a gold chain and staff that is made from ebony that is topped with a golden lion.

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What does Black Rod do?

Black Rod has a mixture of both ceremonial and administrative duties in Parliament.

The ceremonial ones are perhaps the most famous. During the State Opening of Parliament, they walk from the House of Lords to the House of Commons to summon MPs to listen to the King's Speech. The door is slammed shut in their face as a symbol of the independence of the House of Commons. With their staff, they bang on the door three times before it is opened. MPs then follow Black Rod to the Lords where the monarch reads out the list of laws the Government is planning to introduce in the coming months.

The administrative duties involve organising the day-to-day running of the Houses of Parliament. The position of Lady Usher of the Black Rod or Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod is appointed by the Crown.

Black Rod bangs on the doors of the House of Commons chamber during the State Opening of Parliament (PA)

Who is currently Black Rod?

The position of Black Rod is currently filled by Sarah Clarke. She was the first woman to be appointed to the role in its 662-year history and officially started in February 2018. Previously she was the Championships Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, where she was responsible for the organisation of Wimbledon.

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