Firstly however, Sarah Clarke, the first-even female Black Rod – a senior parliamentary official – knocks on the door of the Commons to summon MPs for the Queen’s Speech. As per tradition, she has the door slammed in her face, and has to knock three times to gain entry. Black Rod is the Monarch's representative in the Lords, and this routine is meant to symbolise the independence of Commons from the Crown. Please subscribe HERE
Hide player controls
Hide resume playing