Doorkeepers and State Opening of Parliament

State Opening will take place on Tuesday 7 November in the House of Lords, marking the start of the next session of Parliament.

We spoke to Doorkeeper John about his important role in the ceremony.

During the State Opening ceremony Black Rod is sent to summon the House of Commons to listen to the #KingsSpeech in the House of Lords.

Slamming the door as Black Rod approaches symbolises the independence of the Commons from the monarchy.

Black Rod knocks three times before the doors are re-opened, and MPs proceed to the House of Lords to listen to the speech.

Find out more about State Opening: https://www.parliament.uk/business/ne...