What is the Black Rod? Why the role is so important ahead of King’s speech
King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the State Opening of Parliament today
www.gbnews.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent public reporting.
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The current Usher of the Black Rod is Lieutenant General Ed Davis, who took on the role in July 2025 as part of the House of Lords’ leadership changes. This makes him the first Royal Marine to hold the post.[2][4][5]
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Ed Davis’s appointment followed the previous holder, Sarah Clarke, who became the first woman to hold the office in its more-than-650-year history, taking up the post in 2018, and who served until the 2025 transition.[4][2]
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In practical terms, the Black Rod is responsible for ceremonial duties and maintaining order within the Lords, including oversight of events like the State Opening of Parliament and the process by which MPs are summoned to hear the monarch’s Speech. This ceremonial role remains a hallmark of the office.[2][4]
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Notable ceremonial moments associated with the role include the Black Rod’s traditional entry into the House of Commons and three raps of the rod on the door during the State Opening, symbolizing the Commons’ independence. Ed Davis’s tenure continues this longstanding tradition.[4][2]
If you’d like, I can pull more detailed background on Ed Davis’s prior career or summarize recent House of Lords news around parliamentary ceremonies in the current session.
Citations:
- Ed Davis appointment and context[1]
- Overview of the Black Rod role and Sarah Clarke’s tenure[2]
- Historical and ceremonial details including the State Opening ritual[5][4]