Lady Usher of the Black Rod
The Coronation Roll His Majesty King Charles III, 6 May 2024
www.coronationroll.gov.ukHere’s a brief update on the Usher of the Black Rod in the House of Lords.
- The current holder is Lieutenant-General Edward (Ed) Davis, who took office on 8 July 2025, succeeding Sarah Clarke. This makes him the first Royal Marine to hold the post.[3][4]
- The role includes ceremonial duties (notably at the State Opening of Parliament) and day-to-day supervision of the Lords’ operations, with responsibility for maintaining order and coordinating access within the Lords’ chamber and precincts.[2][4]
- Media coverage around mid-2025 highlighted Ed Davis’s appointment and described the traditional duties, including the iconic door-knocking ritual at the Commons during the State Opening.[1][2]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official statements from Parliament’s site or BBC coverage to confirm ongoing activity or any changes in personnel.