Who is Black Rod? Centuries-old role at heart of Parliament

King Charles will deliver his first King's Speech since becoming monarch as part of the State Opening of Parliament.

Aside from Charles, one person performing a centuries-old role will take centre stage.

Black Rod is one of the senior officers in the House of Lords and participates in major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster.

The role of Black Rod at the State Opening of Parliament is one of the most well-known moments in the parliamentary calendar.

After being sent from the House of Lords, Black Rod knocks on the door of the House of Commons to summon MPs for the King's Speech.

Traditionally, the door of the Commons is slammed in Black Rod's face to symbolise the Commons' independence from the Crown.

She, or he, then has to knock three times on the door with the rod to gain entry, before it is opened and MPs follow Black Rod back to the upper chamber.

The full title of the role is Lady or Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod.

Black Rod is formally appointed by the Crown after a recruitment search. Nowadays, the role is advertised openly, with candidates going through interview panels.

As well as organising ceremonial events, Black Rod, who can earn up to £93,000 a year, manages a team of 30 staff involved in the day-to-day running of the House of Lords.

The earliest known reference to the role of Black Rod as the Usher to the Order of the Garter is in letters patent - a written order from a monarch granting an office, right or title to an individual - from 1361.

There are thought to have been 60 holders of the position since then.

Black Rod's role during the State Opening of Parliament has been dated back to 1641, when a serving Black Rod entered the Lords without his rod and before being called in.

MPs took exception to this behaviour and the tradition has existed ever since.

The title "Black Rod" comes from the staff carried by the holder - it is made of ebony and is topped with a golden lion.

The uniform consists of black shoes, buckles, breeches and a coat, as well as silk stockings.

The position of Black Rod also exists in Commonwealth countries Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Sarah Clarke was appointed Lady Usher of the Black Rod in November 2017, formally taking up the role in February 2018.

She replaced Lt Gen David Leakey and, in doing so, became the first female holder of the position in its 650-year history.

Ms Clarke was previously in charge of organising the Wimbledon tennis championships.

Prior to that, Ms Clarke worked for the London Marathon, UK sport, and on four Olympic Games - including London 2012.

Accepting the role of Black Rod in 2017, she said: "I am both deeply honoured and delighted to be invited to take up the role of Black Rod."

She said the House of Lords was "a place where the smallest detail is as important as the big picture and the depth of heritage and tradition is second to none".