Black Rod
Enduring Traditions
The King’s Speech is a ceremonial event marking the opening of the new parliamentary year. Today it was read out by King Charles. That is the boring part. The arrival and departure of the King and his entourage are much more interesting. A special role is reserved for Black Rod.
The King reads his speech in the House of Lords, where a throne is reserved for him year-round. Before Charles can read the statement (drafted by the government) the members of the House of Commons must be admitted to the House of Lords. This is done by Black Rod, or rather, ‘The Lady or Gentleman of the Black Rod’, as the official title reads.
This role is fulfilled by a prominent member of the House of Lords. Currently, that is Ed Davis, a former Marine Corps Lieutenant General. He has held this role since 2025 and was preceded by Sarah Clarke, the first woman to perform this task in the Black Rod’s history, which now spans over 650 years.
The name Black Rod is derived from the black ebony rod topped by a golden lion that he or she holds. Most of his clothing and his neatly polished shoes are also black. Prior to the King’s Speech, he walks from the House of Lords to the House of Commons. When Black Rod, with the Black Rod in his hand, arrives at the House of Commons, the entrance door is slammed shut in his face.
After that, the door must be knocked on three times with the rod. Opinions differ regarding its meaning. According to some, the fact that the doors are not opened after the first knock demonstrates the superiority of the House of Commons over the House of Lords. According to others, knocking three times is a signal of respect.
Anyway. The door is opened, after which Black Rod invites the members of this ‘noble house’ to listen to the Speech from the Throne. Then, all members of the House of Commons follow Black Rod to the House of Lords, located on the other side of the building. They stand shoulder to shoulder, listening to the Speech from the Throne.
The ceremony always has a certain charm. According to tradition, the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition walk side by side, chatting amicably. One might wonder what Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch has to say to Prime Minister Kier Starmer. “And Kier, are you feeling alright?” It is also a perfect moment for numerous other politicians to ask their Labour colleagues in the House of Commons how things are going.
The role of Black Rod has existed since 1349, initially as someone tasked with keeping members of the Order of the Garter in line on behalf of the then King Edward III. In the mid-seventeenth century, it acquired additional significance after the then King Charles I wanted to arrest various members of the House of Commons, which was considered an infringement on the independence and authority of the House of Commons.
That was 1642. In 1649, Charles I, and Oliver Cromwell after the Parliamentary Revolution, were sentenced to death. Today there is speculation about how much longer Keir Starmer will hold out. The general feeling is that it will not be much longer.
In addition to all this, Black Rod has other tasks He is responsible not only for the smooth running of the Speech from the Throne, but also for security within the House of Lords. Every time a new member is admitted, which happens quite often in this parliament of more than 750 members, he has to show up. The rest of the time, he can always polish his shoes.