Black Rod | Facts, History, & Traditions | Britannica
History of Black Rod, the personal attendant of the crown in the House of Lords.
www.britannica.comHere’s a concise update on the latest news about the Usher of the Black Rod in the House of Lords.
Answer
- As of mid-2025, Lieutenant General Ed Davis became the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, succeeding Sarah Clarke, and began duties in July 2025. This marked the first time a Royal Marine held the post.[1]
Context and role
- The Usher of the Black Rod is a senior House of Lords official responsible for ceremonial protocol and maintaining order within the Lords, including duties surrounding the State Opening of Parliament and other formal events.[2][4]
Key facts you might find useful
- Ed Davis’ appointment was publicly confirmed in 2025, with coverage noting his role in overseeing Black Rod duties and leading a team of staff in the Lords’ daily operations.[1]
- The historical prerogatives of the office include summoning the Commons to the Lords for the King's Speech, managing ceremonial access, and representing the Crown in the Lords’ precincts.[4]
Notes
- If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official statements from the Parliament website or the Lords’ live feeds to confirm any updates after 2025, and provide a brief chronology of changes to the office. Please tell me if you want me to do that.[2][1]