She is the first female
Black Rod in the 650-year history of the role, and will be known as the Lady Usher of the
Black Rod.
The monarch invested Sarah Clarke as Lady Usher of the
Black Rod in the private audience room at Buckingham Palace, by presenting her the thin, ebony
Black Rod and chain of office.
Our
Black Rod (the personal representative of the Queen) is sent to summon the House of Commons .
Yesterday's advice was circulated by the Sergeant at Arms and
Black Rod, who oversee security in the Commons and Lords, and was based on police advice, the Daily Express reports.
Commons official
Black Rod refused to confirm Downing Street's version of events, forcing Campbell to back down.
Who was appointed the first female
Black Rod in the 650-year history of the position in the House of Lords?
Then she forgot the protocol deal at the Queen's Speech that says only the Speaker and
Black Rod nod at the monarch.
The traditional ceremony was more low-key this year and as
Black Rod went to the House of Commons to call the MPs to the House of Lords, Dennis Skinner was heard to say "Get your skates on, the first race starts at half past two.
When
Black Rod approaches the door it is slammed in his face and he has to knock to get permission to enter.
Baroness Pinnock, wearing a faux fur ermine robe, handed over a writ of summons and was led into the chamber by
Black Rod, a ceremonial official who plays a key role in the State Opening of Parliament.
12:15 Conducted tour of the National Council of Provinces, including a briefing on procedural matters by the Secretary to the National Council of Provinces, Adv ME Phindela, with the Usher of the
Black Rod, Mr V Shabalala or a representative.
But top House of Lords official
Black Rod, Lieutenant-General David Leakey, said police will smarten up for the Queen.
