Black Rod

Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, generally referred to simply as Black Rod, is the title of a senior official in a number of parliaments in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. In German, the title can be roughly translated as " gatekeeper of the black rod ."

In the House of Lords (upper house ) of the Black Rod represents the British monarch. The title name is derived from its symbol of authority, a rod of ebony with a golden lion. His counterpart in the House of Commons ( lower house) is the Sergeant -at-Arms. The best known among the public task of the Black Rod is its central role in the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

In England the office in 1350, was created by a royal decree, but the name used today was only 1522. Other Commonwealth countries followed suit, as they took on the Westminster parliamentary system. An official appointed by the monarch Black Rod undergoes a series of official actions: he is the personal representative of the monarch of the House of Lords, Lord Great Chamberlain and Secretary to the usher and doorkeeper at meetings of the Garter.

At each meeting of the Lords of the Black Rod or his deputy, the Yeoman Usher must be present. You have the task of every Lord (or Senator ) to arrest violates the house rules of the Parliament, such as Contempt and disruption of Parliament operation or improper conduct. In Britain, he is also a representative of the Commission, which is responsible for the security and maintenance of the Palace of Westminster.

The current holder of the office since the December 21, 2010 Lieutenant General David Leakey CMG CBE.