State Opening of Parliament - UK Parliament State Opening of Parliament What happens after State Opening State Opening of Parliament The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen's Speech sets out the government’s agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation. It is the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of Parliament – the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons – meet. When is State Opening? State Opening happens on the first day of a new parliamentary session or shortly after a general election. The State Opening of Parliament for the 2016-17 session took place on 18 May 2016. What happens during State Opening State Opening is the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary calendar, attracting large crowds and a significant television and online audience. It begins with the Queen's procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, escorted by the Household Cavalry. The Queen arrives at Sovereign's Entrance and proceeds to the Robing Room. Wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, she leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery, packed with 600 guests, to the chamber of the House of Lords.

The House of Lords official known as 'Black Rod ' is sent to summon the Commons. The doors to the Commons chamber are shut in his face: a practice dating back to the Civil War, symbolising the Commons' independence from the monarchy. Black Rod strikes the door three times before it is opened. Members of the House of Commons then follow Black Rod and the Commons Speaker to the Lords chamber, standing at the opposite end to the Throne, known as the Bar of the House, to listen to the speech. The Queen's Speech The Queen's Speech is delivered by the Queen from the Throne in the House of Lords. Although the Queen reads the Speech, it is written by the government. It contains an outline of its policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session. After the Queen's Speech When the Queen leaves, a new parliamentary session starts and Parliament gets back to work. Members of both Houses debate the content of the speech and agree an ‘Address in Reply to Her Majesty’s Gracious Speech’. Each House continues the debate over the planned legislative programme for several days, looking at different subject areas. The Queen's Speech is voted on by the Commons, but no vote is taken in the Lords.

History of State Opening Traditions surrounding State Opening and the delivery of a speech by the monarch can be traced back as far as the 16th century. The current ceremony dates from the opening of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster in 1852 after the fire of 1834. Further information State Opening of Parliament - Ceremonial Events - The Household Division - Official site State Opening of Parliament Dates:18th May 2016. Time:From 09:30am Rehearsal: 17th May 2016 at 03:45 am Where:Buckingham Palace to Houses of Parliament via Horse Guards Parade Gallery The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen's Speech sets out the government’s agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation. It is the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of Parliament – the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons – meet. When is State Opening? State Opening happens on the first day of a new parliamentary session or shortly after a general election. A full rehearsal takes place in the early hours of a morning usually a day prior to the official State Opening.

The Fixed Term Parliaments Act, which sets out new rules on the timing of general elections, received royal assent (became law) on 15 September 2011. This means that the next general election May 2020. What happens during State Opening State Opening is the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary calendar, attracting large crowds and a significant television and online audience. It begins with the Queen's procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, escorted by the Household Cavalry. The Queen arrives at Sovereign's Entrance and proceeds to the Robing Room. Wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, she leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery, packed with 600 guests, to the chamber of the House of Lords. The House of Lords official known as 'Black Rod'' is sent to summon the Commons. The doors to the Commons chamber are shut in his face: a practice dating back to the Civil War, symbolising the Commons' independence from the monarchy. Black Rod strikes the door three times before it is opened.

Members of the House of Commons then follow Black Rod and the Commons Speaker to the Lords chamber, standing at the opposite end to the Throne, known as the Bar of the House, to listen to the speech. The Queen's Speech The Queen's Speech is delivered by the Queen from the Throne in the House of Lords. Although the Queen reads the Speech, it is written by the government. It contains an outline of its policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session. After the Queen's Speech When the Queen leaves, a new parliamentary session starts and Parliament gets back to work. Members of both Houses debate the content of the speech and agree an ‘Address in Reply to Her Majesty’s Gracious Speech’. Each House continues the debate over the planned legislative programme for several days, looking at different subject areas. The Queen's Speech is voted on by the Commons, but no vote is taken in the Lords. For further information click here. Venue: Buckingham Palace to Houses of Parliament via Horse Guards Parade Date: Queen's Speech: The traditions of State Opening of Parliament - Telegraph Queen's Speech: The traditions of State Opening of Parliament The Queen, as Head of State, formally opens each new session of Parliament.

Link to this video 6:45AM GMT 18 Nov 2009 The State Opening of Parliament forms the most colourful event of the Parliamentary year and is steeped in tradition and customs dating back centuries. It usually takes place in October, November or December each year, but sometimes in a different month if a general election has taken place. Before the Queen travels to Parliament from Buckingham Palace, certain historical ''precautions'' are observed. The Yeomen of the Guard, the oldest of the royal bodyguards, armed with lanterns, search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster, a practice which dates back to the Gunpowder Plot of November 5, 1605. This is followed by a more scientific police search. Related Articles 18 Nov 2009 Another tradition sees a Government whip held ''hostage'' at the Palace to ensure the Queen's safe return. The custom dates back to centuries when the monarch and Parliament were on less cordial terms. Once the safety measures have been observed, the Queen travels from her London home in the horse-drawn Irish State Coach to Westminster, usually accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

She is escorted by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and street liners guard the whole route and present arms as the royal party passes. The Regalia - the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and Sword of State travel in their own carriage, ahead of the monarch, escorted by Members of the Royal Household. On arrival, the Queen puts on the Imperial State Crown and her parliamentary robe ready for the ceremony itself in the House of Lords. No monarch has set foot in the House of Commons since Charles I entered the Commons and tried to arrest five Members of Parliament in 1642. The Queen is met at the Palace of Westminster's Sovereign's Entrance by the Earl Marshal and the Lord Great Chamberlain, who, as Keeper of the Royal Palace, wears scarlet court dress and has hanging at his hip, the golden key to the Palace. As the Queen moves up the Sovereign's Staircase to the Robing Chamber she passes between two lines of dismounted Household Cavalry soldiers in full dress with drawn swords. They are the only troops allowed to bear arms within the Royal Palaces.

After putting on the Imperial State Crown and parliamentary robe, the Queen leads a procession through the Royal Gallery, packed with more than 600 guests, to the Chamber of the House of Lords, where she takes the throne. The Sovereign's Procession is led by senior parliamentary and government officers, including the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords and the Lord Privy Seal. The Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance, symbols of the Sovereign's power and authority, are carried in front of the Monarch. When the Queen sits down the Lord Great Chamberlain signals to an official, known as The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in his capacity as the Sovereign's Messenger to summon the House of Commons and demand their presence. As he approaches the Commons, the door of the Chamber is slammed in Black Rod's face to demonstrate the supremacy of the Lower House over the Lords. He knocks three times with his Black Rod, from which he derives his name, and is finally admitted. He says: ''Mr Speaker.

The Queen commands this Honourable House'' - bowing to the left and to the right as he does so - ''to attend Her Majesty immediately in the House of Peers.'' This tradition is a reminder of the right of the Commons to exclude everyone but the Sovereign's messengers. The Serjeant-at-Arms, carrying the Mace, leads the procession to the Lords followed by the Commons Speaker and Black Rod. The Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition and MPs follow them, and when they reach the Lords chamber they stand at the opposite end to the throne, known as the Bar. The Queen's speech is delivered to the throne by the Lord Chancellor in a special silk bag. Although the Queen reads the Speech, the content is entirely drawn up by the Government and approved by the cabinet. The final words, ''other measures will be laid before you'', give the Government flexibility to introduce other legislation as necessary. When the Queen leaves, the Royal Standard is taken down and the Union Flag hoisted. In the afternoon Parliament goes back to work, with each house meeting separately to begin debating the content of the speech. The Queen has opened Parliament on all but two occasions throughout her reign.

These were 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. State Opening of Parliament | Unofficial Royalty State Opening of Parliament by Scott Mehl source: Zimbio The State Opening of Parliament marks the beginning of a new session of Parliament in the United Kingdom. It is traditionally attended by the Sovereign, who gives a Speech from the Throne. This takes place in the chamber of the House of Lords, as the Sovereign is not permitted to enter the House of Commons. The last sovereign to enter the Commons was Charles I, in 1642, who stormed in attempting to arrest several members. King Henry VIII opening Parliament, 1523. source: Wikipedia The practice of opening Parliament goes back to the 1400s, although the earliest detailed records are from 1510, recounting King Henry VIII’s first Opening of Parliament. The King, accompanied by the Peers and his attendants, would usually travel on horseback from the Sovereign’s official residence to Westminster Abbey where a service would be held. Following the service, they would proceed to the Palace of Westminster for the State Opening.

The service was discontinued in 1679, when it (along with the procession) were cancelled due to fears of a Popish Plot. The procession resumed the following year, and was soon slimmed down to just the Sovereign and his entourage. In the Georgian era, carriages began to be used regularly, to transport the Sovereign and other members of the Royal Family and their attendants. Back then, the Sovereign would usually just say a few words before the speech was read by the Lord Chancellor. It was King James I who began the practice of reading the speech himself. This varied for the next several reigns, and by 1679 it became traditional for the Sovereign to read the speech. (With the exception of King George I who barely spoke English, and Queen Victoria who typically left the speech to the Lord Chancellor.) Queen Victoria opening Parliament, 1866. source: Wikipedia For nearly 200 years, the Sovereign was almost always in attendance. However, Queen Victoria did not attend for several years after the death of the Prince Consort in 1861.

She returned in 1866 (under pressure from her ministers, her children and the British public), but would only be present seven times in the remaining 34 years of her reign. In 1901, the new King Edward VII brought much of the pageantry and tradition back to the ceremony. One of the most significant changes took place on the dais itself. Previously, a single throne for Queen Victoria had stood surrounded by an iron railing. King Edward VII had the railing removed, and had a second throne (just slightly smaller) placed immediately to the left of his own. Thus began the tradition of the Consort sitting beside the Sovereign. In the early years of the current reign, the Duke of Edinburgh sat in a small chair off the side of the dais, but for many years now, has been seated in a second throne beside The Queen. King Edward VIII at the Opening of Parliament, 1936. source: Wikipedia King Edward VIII only attended once during his brief reign in 1936. Not having been crowned, he did not wear the Imperial State Crown with his Robe of State.

(He would abdicate just weeks later.) The Queen also opened Parliament for the first time before being crowned, and wore the George IV State Diadem. Since 1953, she has worn the Imperial State Crown, and has attended every year other than 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. She is typically accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh. Queen Elizabeth II opening Parliament, 1952. source: The Daily Mail The ceremony which occurs today dates back to the opening of the new Palace of Westminster in 1852. Having been rebuilt after the old palace was destroyed by fire in 1834, the new building was laid out to best show off the pageantry of the official procession. Much of the detail has remained mostly unchanged since then, including the order of the procession and seating in the House of Lords. The photo below is from the 1866 Ceremonial, and shows the procession and the precise seating. A ceremonial is issued each year, usually with very few changes. Below is the 1886 Ceremonial, showing the procession as well as where everyone is positioned around the throne.

Searching of the Cellars The pageantry of the day begins with the searching of the cellars. In 1605, a group of English Catholics attempted to blow up Parliament with the goal of killing the Protestant King James I and placing his daughter Elizabeth on the throne. This became known as the Gunpowder Plot. Having been warned of the plot, the Yeoman of the Guard (the Sovereign’s bodyguard) searched the cellars at Westminster and found Guy Fawkes guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder – more than enough to destroy the entire building and everyone in it. Since then, the Yeoman of the Guard have searched the cellars before every opening of Parliament. Of course, today it is merely part of the pageantry. The building and grounds are fully searched by police and security officers, but officially, it is the Yeoman of the Guard who ensure that the Palace of Westminster is secured before the Sovereign’s arrival. View image | gettyimages.com In the meantime, the two houses of Parliament assemble in their respective chambers. Members of the House of Lords are in their robes and finery, with many of their wives, and other peers in attendance.

Also seated in the House of Lords are members of the diplomatic corps and senior members of the judiciary. Until the 1999 House of Lords Act, other members of the Royal Family who were peers and peeresses often attended. Royal Hostage In another tradition which goes back for a few hundred years, a senior member of the House of Commons, traditionally the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, is held hostage at Buckingham Palace to ensure the Sovereign’s safe return from the Palace of Westminster. This tradition goes back to the Restoration in 1660. The previous Vice-Chamberlain had been involved in the beheading of King Charles I, and this was seen as the best way to ensure the safety of the monarch. View image | gettyimages.com Arrival of the Royal Regalia Prior to the Opening of Parliament, the Imperial State Crown, Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance are brought from the Jewel House at the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace. On the morning of the Opening, the Crown is transported to the Palace of Westminster, traditionally in Queen Alexandra’s State Coach, by the Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain’s office.

Also traveling with the Crown are the Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance, accompanied by two other members of the Royal Household. The carriage is accompanied by the Queen’s Bargemaster – a throwback to the days when the Crown Jewels were often transported by barge from the Tower of London. Just as the Sovereign, the Crown is escorted by the Household Cavalry and receives a royal salute. Upon arriving at the Sovereign’s gate at the Palace of Westminster, the Crown, Sword and Cap are taken to the Regalia Room where the Court Jeweler transfers the Crown to a large cushion for the remainder of the procession. (This is done by the Crown Jeweler as he is the only one, aside from the Sovereign, who can handle the crown.) The Comptroller then carries the Crown up the Norman staircase to the Royal Gallery, and presents the Crown to the Lord Great Chamberlain who places it on display along with the Sword and Cap. Once the Sovereign has left Buckingham Palace, the Crown is then taken into the Robing Room to await her arrival. View image | gettyimages.com The Imperial State Crown currently used dates from 1937.

It was made for the coronation of King George VI, as a replica of the one worn from Queen Victoria’s coronation. This one was made lighter and easier to wear. It was modified very slightly in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, lowering the arches and making it appear more feminine. It is typically only worn at the Coronation and the State Opening of Parliament. The Crown includes 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies. Amongst these are: St Edward’s Sapphire a sapphire from the ring, or coronet, of Edward the Confessor The Black Prince’s Ruby (actually a spinel) The Cullinan II (also known as the Lesser Star of Africa) The Stuart Sapphire View image | gettyimages.com In recent years the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have attended the State Opening of Parliament. They have traveled in a separate procession, following the royal regalia. Traveling in a State Coach, they arrive at the Sovereign’s entrance, where they are greeted by the Earl Marshal and proceed to the Robing Room to await the Sovereign.

The Arrival of the Sovereign The Sovereign departs from Buckingham Palace in a State Coach accompanied by four divisions of the Sovereign’s Escort, led by the Blues & Royals and the Life Guards. In 2014, Her Majesty traveled in the new Diamond Jubilee State Coach which was used for the first time. In previous years she has often traveled in the Irish State Coach or Australian State Coach. As the Queen’s carriage approaches the Palace of Westminster, a military band places the national anthem, and the Royal Standard is raised to indicate the Sovereign’s presence. Her carriage is followed by several other carriages, carrying her ladies-in-waiting and several other prominent members of the Royal Household. She is greeted at the Sovereign’s entrance by the Lord Great Chamberlain and processes up the Norman staircase to the Robing Room. (In 2016, Her Majesty began using the lift instead of climbing the stairs.) Here, she puts on the Imperial State Crown and Robe of State, as well as the Collar of the Order of the Garter. Upon her arrival, gun salutes are fired in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.

View image | gettyimages.com Finally, the doors open and the Queen emerges from the Robing Room, with a fanfare announcing her procession. She is now wearing the Imperial State Crown and her Robe of State, which is carried by four Pages of Honour. In addition, she is wearing the collar of the Order of the Garter, the most senior order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. The procession is led by the Officers of Arms and Heralds, then the Great Officers of State. The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, is attended by four Pages of Honour who carry her train. Behind her are the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, followed by the ladies-in-waiting and other members of the Royal Household. The procession goes the length of the Royal Gallery and through the Prince’s Chamber, into the House of Lords. View image | gettyimages.com Upon arrival in the House of Lords, the Queen takes her seat on the throne, while her Pages of Honour arrange her Robe of State. At this point, she says ‘My Lords, pray be seated’ and the entire chamber take their seats. The Duke of Edinburgh is seated immediately to her left, on a throne which is just slightly smaller than hers.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are seated in smaller chairs to the Queen’s left. The Pages of Honour stand to the side of the Prince and Duchess, while the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting stand on the opposite side of the dais. Royal Summons to the Commons The signal is given to instruct The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to summon the members of the House of Commons. He proceeds through the central lobby, and upon arrival at the doors of the Commons, the door is slammed. This symbolizes the House of Commons’ independence from the Sovereign. Black Rod bangs on the door three times, before it is opened for him. He proceeds into the Commons, acknowledging the members, and says ‘Mr. Speaker…Her Majesty The Queen commands this honourable house attends Her Majesty, immediately, in the House of Peers.’ The members of the House of Commons then proceed to the House of Commons, led by Black Rod and the Speaker. They take their place, standing, at the bar at the far end of the House of Lords. At this point, the Lord Chancellor approaches the throne, and hands the Speech to The Queen.

The speech, although called The Queen’s Speech, is actually written by the government of the day, and lists the Government’s plans for the current session of Parliament. After The Queen has read the speech, she processes back out of the House of Lords, through the Prince’s Chamber and Royal Gallery, and back into the Robing Room. Once she has removed the Imperial State Crown and Robe of State, she and the Duke of Edinburgh descend the Norman Staircase and return to their carriage for the procession back to Buckingham Palace. State Opening of Parliament: queen's procession to westminster palace Back to top THE QUEEN'S SPEECH After the Queen arrives at the Sovereign's Entrance at the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament), the Union Flag which flies on top of the Victoria Tower is replaced by the Royal Standard to show that the Queen is present. The Queen walks up the Norman Staircase and is taken to the Robing Room, where she puts on her official robes and the Imperial State Crown. She then walks through the Royal Gallery and into the Prince's Chamber at the House of Lords. She takes a copy of her speech from a purse which is presented to her.

A signal is given to an official known as Black Rod, who walks down through the Central Lobby to the House of Commons. According to tradition, the doors of the House of Commons are closed in Black Rod's face as he approaches. He must then use his mace to knock on the door three times, after which the doors are opened to him. This procedure is a symbol of the power and independence of the House of Commons. Black Rod calls on the MPs to go to the House of Lords to listen to the Queen's Speech. Starting at about 11:40am the Queen gives a short speech (usually lasting about 10 minutes). This has been written by the government, not by the Queen. It outlines the main new laws which will be considered in the House of Commons during the following year (or until the next general election if that is earlier).

The Queen's Speech in the House of Lords Parliament - The House of Representatives | NZHistory, New Zealand history online The House of Representatives Page 3 – Parliament The structure of Parliament Today there are two parts to Parliament – the House of Representatives (or the Lower House) and the Governor-General, but between 1854 and 1951 there was a third part, the Legislative Council (or the Upper House). Legislative Council The Legislative Council was made up of members who were appointed rather than elected. Its major role was to amend or revise the legislation passed in the House of Representatives. The council was meant to be New Zealand's equivalent of the British House of Lords and play an independent and influential role. This did not happen, and the council never had too much to do. Once governments could appoint its members – a role they soon took from the governor, although he still approved the nominees – the council's independence weakened, especially when governments stacked it to suit their own purposes. Every now and again council members bucked against the government. The big showdown came in 1891 when the council obstructed the policies of the Liberal government.

Trying to stack the council backfired when the governor refused to approve the nominees; Britain finally ordered him to co-operate. From then on, there would be no chance of an independent council, but it gave governments an attractive way of rewarding loyal Members of Parliament (MPs). Governor and Governor-General The Governor-General (or, before 1917, the governor) summons and dissolves Parliament and assents to legislation it passes. The Governor-General also appoints the prime minister and attends the Executive Council to receive advice about government decisions. It is a convention that the Governor-General accepts the advice of a prime minister who is supported by a majority of the House. Between 1840 and 1854 the governor, appointed from Britain, ruled New Zealand on behalf of the Queen. The settlers had little time for rule by a governor and wanted to elect their own government. After the elections in 1853, Governor George Grey angered the settlers by delaying the calling of Parliament. Grey's temporary successor, R.H. Wynyard, did not help when he refused to give power to a government formed from a majority in the House. This issue was not resolved until 1856.

After this, the House asserted itself, although the governor kept an important role in military matters and Maori policies. Things reached a head in the 1860s, especially when the spiralling costs of the wars in the North Island led the country into financial trouble. In the end, New Zealand undertook to pay for its military affairs and the governor's reserved powers over Maori affairs were removed. The governor became a largely symbolic figurehead. Opening Parliament The Governor-General plays an important part in the official or state opening of Parliament. There have been changes over the years, and openings now generally occur only every three years (or after a general election). The basic format has remained largely unchanged since the first Parliament in 1854. There is a 21-gun salute, guard of honour and trumpet fanfare to greet the arrival of the Governor-General outside Parliament. Since 1984, there has also been a significant Maori dimension, with a karanga (call for people to enter the area), a haka (ritual challenge) and a powhiri (formal welcome ceremony). The state opening takes place in the Legislative Council Chamber, and it is a colourful affair that involves considerable ceremony and some very old traditions.

The Governor-General follows Black Rod into the chamber, and then Black Rod summons the MPs from the Debating Chamber of the House of Representatives. It is part of the Westminster tradition that the Governor-General, who represents the monarch, does not enter the House, which is independent of the Crown. Black Rod knocks three times on the locked door of the debating chamber of the House, and then the MPs follow Black Rod, the Serjeant-at-Arms with the mace, and the Speaker to the Council Chamber. The Governor-General reads the Speech from the Throne, and as she or he leaves the buildings, there is usually singing and the national anthem is played. The House of Representatives Tours of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London Links INTRODUCTION This page is a brief guide for visitors to the Houses of Parliament (formally known as the New Palace of Westminster). This is where the upper and lower houses of the British government (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) meet to decide national policies and to create new laws. The current buildings date from the period 1840-60, created after a fire in 1834 destroyed the previous parliament.

Note that in recent years some local decision-making powers have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament (in Edinburgh), a Welsh Assembly (in Cardiff) and a Northern Ireland Assembly (near Belfast). Because the UK is a member of the European Union (EU), some decisions are made by the European Parliament (in Brussels). The Houses of Parliament Back to top TOURS The photos in the next sections follow the route of a tour of the interior of the Houses of Parliament, starting at Victoria Tower and ending at the Great Hall (note that it does not include either the Jewel Tower or the Clock Tower). You can take a tour such as this in August and September each summer. This is when the parliament does not normally meet (unless there is an emergency) and is known as the Summer Opening of Parliament. There are no tours on Sundays or on the last Monday in August (a public holiday). At other times of the year tours are available only on Saturdays. Tours are given by qualified guides - it is not possible to walk around the buildings by yourself. Most tours are in English, but at certain times there are tours in French, German, Italian and Spanish (the charge for non-English tours is a little bit higher).

It is a good idea to buy a ticket in advance, as there is only a limited number of places available each day. Tickets allow entry at a certain time. You should make sure that you arrive at least 10 minutes early, as you will need to go through security checks before you enter. Tours last 1 hour 15 minutes. At the end there is a shop where you can buy souvenirs such as postcards, books, chocolates or whisky, and there is a tea room serving light meals.

Note the following points about the tours: - You need to pass through security checks before you enter the building (if you have booked a particular tour time arrive 30 minutes before this time) - You must stay with your guide at all times - Do not sit on the chairs in the House of Commons or House of Lords (only MPs or lords can sit there) - You cannot take photographs inside the building, except in Westminster Hall or outside the buildings - You must switch off your mobile phone during the tour - Please do not talk while the guide is speaking To buy a ticket for a tour: click here A guided tour group in the House of Lords Back to top VICTORIA TOWER Each year the Queen performs a ceremony called the State Opening of Parliament. You can see photos and find out more about the event on the following page: Ideas/Album/StateOpeningOfParliament The first part of the tour of Parliament follows the route which the Queen takes once she has arrived for the State Opening ceremony. You enter Victoria Tower through the Royal Entrance. The Sovereign's Entrance Back to top ROYAL ROBING ROOM The first room you enter is called the Royal Robing Room.

This is where the Queen puts on a special robe and the Imperial State Crown, which has been brought here from the Tower of London. Royal Robing Room Back to top ROYAL GALLERY Next you will pass through the Royal Gallery. There are two large paintings on either side: one shows the death of Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, and the other shows the Duke of Wellington meeting Blucher (his Prussian ally) after the Battle of Waterloo. Heads of State from other countries sometimes give speeches in this room while they are visiting Parliament. Royal Gallery PRINCE'S CHAMBER The Prince's Chamber is a small area used for receiving and writing messages. This room is above the cellar where Guy Fawkes was caught with barrels of gunpowder in November 1605, planning to blow up Parliament at the time when the king (James the First) came for the State Opening. The failure of this plot is celebrated on 5th November each year by letting off fireworks and by burning a straw man known as the "Guy" on a bonfire (for more details, see the entry for 5th November on this page: Ideas/Events/November ).

Back to top HOUSE OF LORDS The House of Lords is the upper house of the British Parliament. In the past the members of this house were mainly hereditary peers (lords who inherited their titles because of their family history), but these days most of the members are life peers who do not pass their titles to their children. Life peers are often former politicians or people who have been leaders in their professions or communities. The main role of the House of Lords is to discuss carefully the new laws which are proposed by the House of Commons and to suggest changes when necessary. It can delay the passing of laws, but cannot stop them if the House of Commons wishes to go ahead. While the members of the House of Lords are in Parliament they may be taking part in a debate, examining laws in more detail in a committee, doing research, or perhaps dealing with a member of the public. At one end of the debating chamber is the throne. During the State Opening of Parliament this is where the Queen sits and where she reads out the Queen's Speech, which describes the laws which the current government plans to implement during the next year. This speech is written for the Queen by the Prime Minister.

Along both sides of the room are the seats where the members of the House of Lords sit. These seats are red: this used to be the most expensive colour to create so traditionally it has been used by royalty and the richest members of society. The throne in the House of Lords Back to top CENTRAL LOBBY The Peers Lobby is used as a meeting place for members of the House of Lords. From here you pass through the Press Corridor to the Central Lobby. This is half way between the House of Lords and the House of Commons and is used by members of both houses. Central Lobby Back to top COMMONS LOBBY Having passed through the Commons Corridor you reach the Commons Lobby. This area was hit by a German bomb in May 1941, during the Second World War. The British Prime Minister at that time was Winston Churchill. He ordered that this area and the House of Commons should be rebuilt in the same dimensions as before, and should use as much of the original stone as possible. His statue is displayed prominently in the lobby (and there is another one outside, in Parliament Square).

In the past politicians used to rub Churchill's foot before going into the House of Commons: this was believed to bring good luck and to improve their speaking skill (Churchill was famous for his oratory). Statue of Winston Churchill ... and outside in Parliament Square In February 2007 a bronze statue of Margaret Thatcher was placed in the Commons Lobby. She was the British Prime Minister between 1979 and 1990. Back to top HOUSE OF COMMONS During the State Opening of Parliament, an official called Black Rod walks from the House of Lords to the House of Commons to announce that the Queen has arrived and to invite them to hear her speech. It is traditional that the doors of the House of Commons are slammed shut in front of him before he can enter. He then must knock on the right-hand door with his rod and politely request permission to enter (if you look at the door when you enter the House of Commons you can see the large mark that has been created by this annual hitting of the door). This tradition dates from the time of the king Charles the First. He believed he had been given the right to rule by God, so he wasn't pleased when Parliament refused to allow him to raise more taxes.

Charles marched to Parliament to demand that his wishes were followed and to arrest some of those leaders who were refusing. This event led to the English Civil War: England was divided between supporters of the King and supporters of Parliament (led by Oliver Cromwell, a statue of whom is outside the Houses of Parliament). The king was eventually defeated and his head was cut off. His son escaped and was later restored as king (Charles the Second), but Parliament had become much more powerful by this time and jealously guarded its independence from the king or queen. Slamming the door in the face of Black Rod is a powerful reminder of the independence of the House of Commons. House of Commons Along both sides of the House of Commons are the seats, which are green. At one end is the seat of an official known as the Speaker, whose job is to keep order and to manage the debates by deciding who should speak next (people who want to make a comment often stand to attract the speaker's attention). On the speaker's right-hand side sit the members of the current Government, and on the left hand side are members of the main opposition party.

There are wooden boxes on each side of the table in front of the speaker with microphones attached: these are known as the despatch boxes and are where the leaders stand when making announcements or when debating. Every Wednesday afternoon during half an hour known as Question Time there is a lively debate when the Prime Minister (PM) answers questions raised by the opposition parties. When it is time to vote on a proposed law (known as a bill), the Members of Parliament (MPs) who are present vote by going either through one of two voting lobbies: the Aye room on the speaker's right is for people who agree with the proposal ("aye" is old English for "yes"), and the No room is on the left. The votes are counted and the result is announced. Each party appoints whips who are responsible for making sure that they know the location of their party's MPs so that they can be encouraged to attend Parliament for the most important votes (an MP cannot vote unless he/she is there for the debate). All of the discussions are recorded and published, as are the voting decisions made by each MP. Every 4 years there must be a general election when members of the public can elect MPs.

The UK is divided into voting areas known as constituencies. In England, Scotland and Wales the person who receives the highest number of votes is elected as the local MP in each constituency (this system is known as first past the post). The exception to this is in Northern Ireland, where the MPs are selected according to the total number of votes received by each party (this system is known as proportional representation). Each MP is expected to represent the interests of the members of his or her constituency, and spends time dealing with local issues when not at Westminster. The political party (or coalition of parties) which has the majority of MPs is asked by the Queen to form the country's Government. The leader of the Government is known as the Prime Minister. He or she appoints people known as ministers to lead each of the various departments. The ministers who lead the most important departments are called Members of the Cabinet and meet regularly with the Prime Minister to make policy decisions. Some of the most important ministers include the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chancellor (dealing with national finances), the Home Secretary (dealing with UK issues) and the Foreign Secretary (dealing with international matters). The head of the party with the second largest number of MPs is known as the Leader of the Opposition.

Back to top ST STEPHEN'S HALL St Stephen's Hall is on the site of the chapel of the old Palace of Westminster in medieval times. This was then used as the first location for the House of Commons: brass studs in the floor show the positions of the speaker's chair (before that the altar was here). St Stephen's Hall Back to top WESTMINSTER HALL Westminster Hall was once used as a court. People who were put on trial here and condemned to death include William Wallace (1305), Guy Fawkes (1606) and Charles the First (1649). The high court moved to the Royal Courts of Justice (in the Strand) in 1825. Coronation banquets were held here until the rule of George the Fourth (1820-1830). In more recent times the hall has been used as one of the places where foreign Heads of State give speeches.

It is also used for the lying in state of some kings, queens or Prime Ministers (including Winston Churchill in 1965 and the Queen Mother in 2002): their bodies are placed here for a few days after their deaths, so that people can come to pay their final respects. This hall is the end point for guided tours of Parliament. The medieval wooden ceiling of Westminster Hall (which survived the 1834 fire) The windows were replaced after being damaged by bombs in World War Two This brass plate on the floor of the hall commemorates the trial of William Wallace ... ... and this one shows where King Charles the First stood during his trial Back to top JEWEL TOWER The Jewel Tower (opposite the Victoria Tower) was built in about 1365 to house the jewels of King Edward the Third, and is part of the original Palace of Westminster. The building includes an exhibition about the history of Parliament (there is an entrance charge). It is is managed by English Heritage. The Jewel Tower Back to top THE CLOCK TOWER & BIG BEN The Clock Tower is one of Britain's most famous landmarks. It is 314 feet (96m) tall.

After fire destroyed most of Parliament in 1834, there was a competition to provide a clock that was accurate to within 1 second per day (most clocks at that time were only accurate to within a couple of minutes each day). Originally the mechanism needed to be wound up manually, but later a motor was installed. The clock face was originally lit up using gas lights (men had to stay there to check them): these days lightbulbs are used. There is also a small light at the top of the tower known as the Ayrton Light - this is lit whenever either the House of Commons or the House of Lords is working after dark (when the flag on Victoria Tower would not be visible). The main bell inside the clock tower weighs 13.5 tons (13,700 kg) and is 9 feet (2.7 m) wide and 7.5 feet (2.2 m) high: it was first used in July 1859. Large bells such as this are often given names: this one is called Big Ben (the origin of the name is not certain, but one story is that it was named after a very popular heavyweight boxer of the 1850's).

There are also four smaller bells which are used to play a 16-note tune every quarter of an hour. Each hour the large bell is struck by a hammer, once for each hour (for example, it is struck three times at 3 o'clock). The sound of Big Ben being hit is known as a bong, and the first of these sounds marks the exact start of the hour. The bongs are broadcast live each evening on BBC Radio 4, at 6pm and at midnight. On New Year's Eve many British television channels show live pictures of the clock face just before midnight, and people celebrate the New Year when they hear the first of the 12 bongs. The chimes of Big Ben (the bell) can be heard over a wide area FURTHER INFORMATION To get to the Houses of Parliament by public transport: - Underground (Tube): take the Jubilee, Circle or District line to Westminster.

Take the exit marked "Houses of Parliament" - Train: Westminster is only one or two Tube stops away from the train stations at Victoria, Charing Cross or Waterloo - Bus: there are many bus services which stop nearby, eg: service 3 (from Oxford Circus), 11 (from Charing Cross), 24 (from Leicester Square), 211 (from Waterloo) The official website of the Houses of Parliament: For more educational information about Parliament and how it works, see: For information about visiting the Jewel Tower, see: While Parliament is working it is possible to visit the public galleries overlooking the House of Commons or House of Lords to listen to a debate (this is free). If you wish to do this people living in Britain can apply for a ticket by writing to their local MPs, and people living overseas can apply by writing to their local British embassy or High Commission. It is also possible to queue outside St Stephen's Entrance, but if it is busy you may have to wait a long time or may be unable to enter.

To see a panoramic image of Big Ben and the belfry, see: UK residents who have a particular interest in bells and clocks can request to join a special tour of the Clock Tower and Big Ben by writing to their local MPs. For details, see: It is possible to go on a tour at Whitechapel Bell Foundry, where Big Ben and other famous bells (including the original Liberty Bell) were manufactured. These are open to anyone, but need to be booked in advance. The address is 32-34 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DY (nearest Tube: Aldgate East or Whitechapel; map ). Tours are on Saturday mornings or afternoons and last about 1h30. On weekdays you can visit the bell shop but not the foundry itself. For details, see: Senate of Canada - The Usher of the Black Rod Home > Supporting senators > The Usher of the Black Rod The Usher of the Black Rod The Usher of the Black Rod is a senior parliamentary officer appointed by Order in Council. The Black Rod, as the Usher is known to senators, is a senior protocol officer in Parliament and a floor officer of the Senate.

The name Usher of the Black Rod comes from the ebony cane that Black Rod carries as a symbol of authority. Under a 600-year-old parliamentary tradition, the Black Rod is the personal attendant and messenger of the Sovereign or the Sovereign’s representative when either is in Parliament. Roles and Responsibilities While the position of Usher of the Black Rod originated roughly 600 years ago, the Black Rod’s current responsibilities combine traditional, ceremonial and modern administrative functions. In the Senate Chamber The Usher of the Black Rod is responsible for the many aspects of the Senate Chamber. For example, the Usher leads the Speaker’s Parade that opens and closes every sitting of the Senate. Responsible for security within the Senate Chamber, he is present on the Senate floor during the sitting and is charged with permitting or denying entry to the Chamber if the Senate or the Sovereign so order. The Black Rod also coordinates the swearing-in ceremonies for newly appointed senators and makes arrangements for Senate participation at the funerals of serving or former senators. He makes all general arrangements in the Senate Chamber to help with the effective workings of the upper house (e.g. security, audio services, seating plans, etc).

Assisted by the Senate pages, whom he directs, the Black Rod cares for the needs of senators in the Chamber as well as in the adjoining Reading Room and work stations. Coordinating Ceremonies As the senior parliamentary protocol officer, the Usher is responsible for coordinating the ceremonies that take place within the Senate chamber, which is to say most ceremonies of Parliament. These include arranging the logistical, administrative and protocol details for each. One key ceremony is the opening of Parliament or of a new session of Parliament, in which the Speech from the Throne is read by the Queen or the Governor General. The Usher makes most of the logistical arrangements for this event. He is Chair of a Working Group and an Inter-departmental Committee and coordinates the work of a parallel Secretariat for the Opening of Parliament. Other ceremonies in which the Usher is involved as a key organizer are state funerals and the investiture of the Governor General. In addition, the Black Rod carries out ceremonial duties related to Royal Assent of bills. He also coordinates other ceremonies that take place in the Chamber, such as the Memorial Ceremony for Former Parliamentarians (June), and the launch of Veteran’s Week (November).

Personal Attendant and Messenger As personal attendant to the Queen and the Governor General when they are in Parliament, the Usher of the Black Rod is a member of the welcoming party for all visiting heads of state and heads of government. The Usher is also the parliamentary officer who greets the Sovereign or her representative, the Governor General, upon his arrival at the doors of Parliament. As the Queen’s messenger, the Black Rod carries out a unique element of the Opening of Parliament ceremony: summoning the members of the House of Commons to the Senate when their presence is required. Upon the order of the Speaker of the Senate (on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen or His Excellency the Governor General), the Usher proceeds to the House of Commons and knocks three times on its main doors with the base of the Black Rod. Once the Usher is ceremonially challenged by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, approval to enter is granted by the Speaker of the House. The Usher is then admitted to the House and informs the Speaker that the presence of the members of the Commons is requested in the Senate Chamber. He then leads the assembled members in procession to the Senate.

Modern Administrative Functions In addition to carrying out ceremonial duties, the Usher of the Black Rod is a member of the senior management team of the Senate Administration. The Black Rod also oversees the Senate Page Program, working with the Chief and Deputy Chief Pages to ensure that the pages offer appropriate service to Senators during sittings in the Chamber, in committee meetings and during other Senate events. Educational outreach is a growing part of the Black Rod’s role. He meets with youth (at such events as the Forum for Young Canadians, Encounters with Canada and Model Parliaments), professionals (e.g. at the Canadian School of Public Service, the Many Facets of Parliament Hill Program, and with Parliamentary Tour Guides), and exchange groups (US Interns). Stay connected State Opening of Parliament - British Army Website State Opening of Parliament State Opening of Parliament 27 May 2015 The armed forces played a major role in the pomp and ceremony that is part of the State Opening of Parliament, which took place today. In all, 1384 members of the Armed Forces and 229 horses were on public show in a variety of ceremonial roles.

The State Opening of Parliament is one of the highlights of the London Ceremonial calendar when all elements of the Army’s Household Division, and other elements of the Armed Forces, line the streets and escort Her Majesty The Queen’s procession from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords.The State Opening marks the formal start of the next parliamentary session. The primary purpose of this colourful tradition is to set out the government's legislative agenda to both Houses of Parliament in the Queen's Speech. Military units taking part this year were the Royal Navy, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, F Company Scots Guards, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, the Honourable Artillery Company, the Royal Air Force, The Royal Artillery Band, Band of the Grenadier Guards, Band of the Coldstream Guards, Band of the Scots Guards, Band of the Irish Guards, Band of the Welsh Guards, with 10 Signal Regiment in support. The Processional Route was by way of The Mall, Horse Guards Road, Horse Guards, Whitehall and Parliament Street.

1st Battalion Welsh Guards provided a large Guard of Honour at Queen’s Gardens, commanded by Captain Andrew Dunlop, with The Queen’s Colour, and accompanied by the Band of the Welsh Guards. The Crown Procession accompanied by a Regalia Escort from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment left Buckingham Palace for the House of Lords shortly after 10.30am. It was followed by a Carriage Procession carrying The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall with a travelling escort from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Lining the route of the procession were servicemen from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, F Company Scots Guards, Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, detachments of the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force. The Queen’s Procession left Buckingham Palace for the House of Lords at 11am. Her Majesty The Queen was escorted by The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, with their mounted Troopers resplendent in silver helmets and cuirasses, and Cavalry black horses groomed to a mirror shine. At Horse Guards, The Queen’s Life Guard turned out the Guard as Her Majesty was escorted through the Front Yard.

The General Officer Commanding London District, Major General Edward Alexander Smyth-Osbourne CBE commanded Service personnel from all three services on parade. 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards provided a large Guard of Honour at the House of Lords commanded by Major Andrew Seddon, and accompanied by the Band of the Regiment and the Corps of Drums of the Battalion. Precisely as the Queen reached the Sovereign's Entrance of The House of Lords and proceeded to the Robing Room, a 41-gun salute was fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, supported by the Band of the Royal Artillery, in Green Park. Wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, Her Majesty led the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery, packed with 600 guests, to the chamber of the House of Lords. The House of Lords official known as 'Black Rod'' was then sent to summon the Commons. The doors to the Commons chamber were shut in his face: a practice dating back to the Civil War, symbolising the Commons' independence from the monarchy. Black Rod struck the door three times before it was opened.

Members of the House of Commons then followed Black Rod and the Commons Speaker to the Lords chamber, standing at the opposite end to the Throne, known as the Bar of the House, to listen to the speech. The Queen's Speech was delivered by the Queen from the Throne in the House of Lords. It contained an outline of the government’s policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session. As Her Majesty left the House of Lords at noon, a further 41-gun salute was fired at the Tower of London by the Army’s oldest regiment, The Honourable Artillery Company, which is part of the Army Reserve. The Procession of Her Majesty The Queen then returned to Buckingham Palace from the House of Lords by the same Processional Route, followed by those of HRH The Prince of Wales and The Crown. Once Her Majesty returned, The King's Troop, the Sovereign's Escort and Guard of Honour Marched Past Her Majesty and then returned to barracks. When the Queen left The House of Lords, a new parliamentary session started and Parliament got back to work. Members of both Houses debated the content of the speech and agreed an ‘Address in Reply to Her Majesty’s Gracious Speech’.

Each House continues the debate over the planned legislative programme for several days, looking at different subject areas. The Queen's Speech is voted on by the Commons, but no vote is taken in the Lords.

Question: Which official knocks three times on the doors to the chamber of the House of Commons at the state opening of a British parliament?
Answer: Black Rod