State & Ceremonial

The new Lady Usher of the Black Rod, Sarah Clarke, has taken her place in the House of Lords for the first time. Miss Clarke, who is the first woman to hold the position of Black Rod, began her first day on the job this Tuesday following the end of Parliament’s February recess. There were cheers from the Lords as Black Rod was introduced to the chamber for the first time. A moment in…

Dame Darcey Bussell has said she is “truly humbled” after being named in The Queen’s New Year Honours list to receive a damehood. The 48-year-old has been honoured for services to dance. She has a 20-year ballet career and has been a judge on BBC Strictly Come Dancing since 2012. Speaking of her award, Dame Darcey said: “I am truly humbled to receive this honour. “I…

For the first time since its institution in 1917, the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) now has its full 65 members meaning no more recipients can be added. The prestigious honour is restricted to 65 people and following The Queen’s 2018 New Year Honours list being released, it can now be revealed that the last three remaining places have been filled. The three new members are historian…