A Labour MP will be ceremonially “held hostage” at Buckingham Palace during the State Opening of Parliament in a centuries-old tradition dating back to the reign of Charles I.
The parliamentarian – traditionally the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, who serves as a government whip – remains at the Palace while the monarch travels to Westminster to deliver the King’s Speech.
The MP is only released once the Sovereign has safely returned from Parliament, symbolising the historic mistrust which once existed between the Crown and Parliament during the turbulent 17th century.
The unusual custom is believed to date back to the reign of Charles I, whose clashes with Parliament ultimately led to the English Civil War and his execution in 1649.
The ceremonial “hostage” tradition remains one of several ancient rituals still observed during the State Opening.
Another longstanding custom sees the Palace of Westminster searched for traces of gunpowder before the monarch’s arrival, commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when conspirators attempted to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I.
The monarch is also barred from entering the House of Commons, reflecting the chamber’s independence from the Crown.
Instead, Black Rod is sent to summon MPs to the House of Lords to hear the King’s Speech outlining the Government’s legislative agenda.
In another symbolic display of parliamentary authority, the doors of the Commons are traditionally slammed shut in Black Rod’s face before he is admitted and MPs are summoned to attend the monarch.
