VIDEO: Former Coleraine 'Inst' pupil Ed Davis is 'Black Rod' for State Opening of Parliament
At the State Opening of Parliament, during which King Charles III delivers his annual speech, there will be a former Coleraine Academical Institution pupil playing a pivotal role.
Ed Davis CB CBE occupies the position of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod and takes a leading role in the State Opening of Parliament.
Having been in the role of Black Rod for almost ten months, Ed is the 62nd Black Rod – a role which goes back 665 years.
Black Rod is best known for the ceremonial banging on the door of the House of Commons.
Ed explained: “It’s a tradition that goes back 385 years to 1642 right at the outset of the English Civil War. Effectively, King Charles I, at the beginning of that war, attempted to arrest five Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, which he failed to do.
"But from that moment forward, the Monarch and his representative, who I am on behalf of the Lord Great Chamberlain, are not allowed to enter the House of Commons Chamber without an invitation.
"So, effectively, as I approach it, the door is slammed to recognise that principle and also to underscore the independence of the House of Commons.
"I knock on the door. They recognise me. I’m invited in. And then I summon, on behalf of His Majesty, the Members of Parliament from the House of Commons up to the House of Lords, to listen to the King’s Speech.”
The State Opening of Parliament takes place on Wednesday, May 13 and can be viewed on Parliament TV and YouTube.