At the state opening of Parliament, who has the door slammed in his face to symbolise the Commons' independence?

Black Rod is a senior officer in the House of Lords. He is responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the House and its precincts. The Clerk of the Parliaments, to whom Black Rod reports, is in overall charge of the administration of the House, which provides all other services for Members of the Lords.

Black Rod's parliamentary duties fall into two categories:

Administrative duties:

Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod: This is a Crown appointment. It is responsible for organising access to and maintaining order within the Lords Chamber and the precincts.

Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain: Appointed by the Lord Great Chamberlain, Black Rod is responsible for and participates in the major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster.

He is also responsible for the Queen's residual estate in the Palace (eg the Robing Room and the Royal Gallery).

Ceremonial duties:

State Opening: Black Rod's role at the State Opening of Parliament is one of the most well-known images of Parliament.

Black Rod is sent from the Lords Chamber to the Commons Chamber to summon MPs to hear the Queen's Speech. Traditionally the door of the Commons is slammed in Black Rod's face to symbolise the Commons independence.

He then bangs three times on the door with the rod. The door to the Commons Chamber is then opened and all MPs – talking loudly – follow Black Rod back to the Lords to hear the Queen's Speech.