Queen's Black Rod has door slammed in his face by MPs

Black Rod is a senior officer in the British House of Lords. Despite being responsible for security, access and order within the House and its precincts, Black Rod is most famous for his role at the State Opening of Parliament. This year's Opening took place on the 4th June 2014 and saw Black Rod perform his usual duty of being sent from the House of Lords to the House of Commons to summon MPs to hear the Queen's Speech (not being a "commoner", the Queen is not allowed to enter the House of Commons herself).
As is tradition, the door is slammed in Black Rod's face at first to symbolise the Commons' independence. After being summoned, all MPs then follow Black Rod to the House of Lords, talking loudly as they go. Look out for the Prime Minister David Cameron and opposition leader Ed Miliband making small talk.

[@silasrodriguesgoncalvesjun5191]

For the British, even slamming a door becomes a formal ceremony

[@edgargiovannisanchezrosale7480]

its true honor 👍

[@guytansbariva2295]

Not so much as in many other countries

[@TheVoiceOfReason93]

And we're PPROUD of it!

[@lbcthinkingoutloud3427]

😂😂

[@lbcthinkingoutloud3427]

@@TheVoiceOfReason93 are you ?

[@charlotteice5704]

The only country where it is tradition for a person with a certain job to get a door slammed in their face.

[@madabbafan]

It is done to signify the House of Commons' independence from the crown. Dates back to when King Charles I stormed into parliament and tried to have several members arrested. Since then no monarch has entered the commons chamber whilst it is sitting. The three knocks is requesting permission to enter to deliver the command from the monarch for the commons to attend the speech.

[@charlotteice5704]

@@madabbafan I know, yet I am still amazed by the weirdness this tradition displays when looked at from a distance.

[@madabbafan]

Char Lotte well the British have always been a little excentric. Pomp and padgentary is what we do best.

[@user_mac0153]

Usher of the Black Rod also opens or closes parliament in Oz, not sure if its both, its a Westminster-style thing.

[@damagelethal7171]

but does it really show its independence since he goes and call all of them out :p ??

[@jcire4785]

The doors are meant to be slammed in his face. It is part of the tradition. It's meant to symbolise the Commons' independence from the Ruling King or Queen.

[@Vsm426]

Are they truly free from their monarch though

[@jcire4785]

@@Vsm426 Independence of process and rules. The Queen doesn't influence politics. If anything she reads out a statement on behalf of the ruling party. She is also given an allowance from the privy purse.

[@zeldasmith6154]

Do these people have jobs?

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

The silly costumes need to go

[@stephtimms1776]

@@Vsm426 You have to wonder when the queen is commanding them what to do and they're doing it.

[@miguelgomes2965]

Not exactly what I pictured as the “Queen’s black rod”

[@souvikbera3067]

Lol

[@josephjones3642]

Was searching for this comment NGL 😂

[@arthurfleck2149]

😄😄😄 dont know why but this cracked me up

[@ReeYoU.26]

Hmmmmmmmm

[@ckknews2085]

No stop it she's 94

[@corey1054]

So its literally tradition to slam the door in this guys face. Can imagine how fun it would be if they slammed it a bit too late when hes in front of it.

[@wishfix]

Black rod is the crowns messenger, to summon the house to attend the Queen. So. We have the crown, the Lords and the commons. In the commons they refer to the house of Lords as 'the other place' as it is a separate entity.

[@MrMaradok]

I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s happened in accident before.

[@IlIIlIIIIIlBrianSt0rm]

The Black Rod (The Messenger) is by order of the Queen. But the Queen isn't allowed to enter the house of commons. So he must go and have the door slammed shut as symbolism of the Monarchy not being allowed within the house of commons

[@EdwardNavu]

Hence the "Close the door" cue at 0:10 to prevent such a bad timing. lol

[@kriss3d]

@@IlIIlIIIIIlBrianSt0rm But wouldnt The queen likely be allowed to go and watch the debate if she wanted to ? Or is it not like in Denmark where anyone can actually walk in and sit and listen to to the debate and speeches at pretty much any time.

[@z4hdf84y5b2]

I love how it's all formal then you hear "ello Eric, you okay?"

[@DannyBoi2112]

Ello eric, goin down the pub later????

[@melinmove]

🤣🤣

[@Bilal_Ahmed171]

😂😂😂

[@EricMGaming]

Yeah, I'm good now open up! 😄

[@dawnh157]

Was thinking the exact same 🤣

[@abirnigam8816]

Some guy with a black rod a few hundred years back gets door slammed on his face... "Olright mate, it's a fooking tradition now"

[@therocker3024]

a few hundred years ago there would be a battering ram.

[@hugoclarke3284]

You get our culture

[@dannywhite648]

@@therocker3024 that poor sheep

[@themagicminstrels476]

@@dannywhite648 SJFOFJFJ that was funny

[@decaytred9500]

@@dannywhite648 lol

[@Redwood65]

“We are on a quest for the holy grail. “ “We’ve already got one”

[@cursed_potato7604]

"Can we come up and have a look"

[@Redwood65]

@@cursed_potato7604 😂😂Never gets old!

[@peterrenn6341]

It’s a verra nass!

[@Joseph-sq3zu]

"You what!?!" "They said they already got one."

[@richardnixon2639]

They probably thought he was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses

[@patriciabrokos9524]

Richard Nixon 😂😂😂

[@georgeyoung1210]

😂😂

[@gorillachilla]

lol

[@acasualcactus5878]

No, they think He’s a Mormon

[@csrmervz88]

🤣🤣🤣

[@royalchannel]

As is the usual tradition, Black Rod - a senior officer in the British House of Lords - has the door slammed in his face after going to the House of Commons to summon MPs to hear the Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.

[@sathviksaravan3974]

Pin this comment

[@anthonygifford9494]

Why? Just why? What’s the story behind this?

[@navb0tactual]

@@anthonygifford9494 it's interesting, I'd also like to know why and what started it. Kinda funny ngl

[@lsumd2011]

@@navb0tactual IIRC it dates back to Charles I and the English Civil War. The door slamming is a symbolic gesture of the House of Commons sovereignty from the monarchy. Its also the reason why the Queen cannot enter the House of Commons at all, ever.

[@navb0tactual]

@@lsumd2011 interesting, Thank You so much for the information.

[@ricardokowalski1579]

Over 500 years have passed...and not a single joker has ever shouted from the inside: "who's there?" 😁

[@noahtalksmoney]

Idk Dennis Skinner would have probably done that at one point

[@overomanlord2214]

imagine if after knocking, one behind the door yells: "password!"

[@matthewgray469]

Or if the person who opens the door says it "No thank you, we"ve already got one"

[@Gorboduc]

"Swordfish."

[@davidlineberry622]

Who's there?

[@marquisdesade3058]

@@Gorboduc wrong. i didnt it so i changed it.

[@jasonvargas7564]

Fidelio

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

The British do like a formal ceremony, don't they?

[@Governor2310]

Of course we do. We are largely traditional.

[@pgr3290]

This in particular is important symbolism. The best bit was a long serving member of parliament's jokes immediately after black rod delivers the command from the queen. He's a republican, he doesn't care for the monarchy so frequently had something pithy to say about being summoned. He held his position for nearly 50 years before finally losing his seat in the 2019 elections. I think my favourites are 1992 when he said 'Tell her (the queen) to pay her tax.' The monarch was exempt from taxation until many started to grumble. Then in 2000 when he said 'Tell her to read the Guardian.' At that time the Guardian newspaper was petitioning to abolish the monarchy 🤣🤣 That's when you know you live in a mature democracy with true freedom of speech. He can call out the Queen widely in public without sweat.

[@vutruongquang3501]

@@pgr3290 you're talking about Davis Skinner right ? I'm a Vietnamese but I kinda instantly recognized his badass behavior :D really a straight forward man

[@warriorofwrestlingv3]

Personally I find it incredibly embarrassing, and I'm assuming they are being paid to sit there watching this. I can't imagine many bosses being ok with employees dressing up and playing pantomime for a bit before actually doing what they're paid to do

[@vutruongquang3501]

@@warriorofwrestlingv3 they are not you, so i guess they're fine with it

[@9000paperclips]

The MPs are like children being led to assembly by the teacher.

[@attalan8732]

It's intentional. It's meant to show disrepest to the monarch as a further reassertment of the parliament's primacy over the monarch.

[@lancegideondiokno1774]

You should see them in parliament

[@kanoraguy]

@@lancegideondiokno1774 ya well at least in the Westminster system of government the leader actually has to answer to the parliament and can be removed by a simple vote

[@bardslee]

It's tradition

[@oldgitsknowstuff]

Now now...they are not being led like children, they have been COMMANDED by Her Majesty to attend her in the 'Other place ' And God help those who don't.

[@drinny26]

I always think about what this process looked like hundreds of years ago. The history is so fascinating to me.

[@cheezesmoker8851]

Really? What other crazy exciting stuff do you get upto? Watch some paint dry

[@TheStubertos]

@@cheezesmoker8851 Your name is Cheeze Smoker, you must be a right legend.

[@cheezesmoker8851]

@@TheStubertos 🤓

[@TheMagiKa3213]

Might not be identical to the ones being done nowadays but one time it ended up in a civil war and King Charles I being beheaded

[@Ryan-xz5kn]

@@cheezesmoker8851 🤡

[@FrankDaBank25]

Ah yes. The royal slamming of the door. Very elegant.

[@CabbageSandwich]

It truly is a wonderful day for royal Britain, and therefore, miserable for the rest of the world. Majestic.

[@ukpropaganda]

Has anyone noticed how Black Rod ( all of them, not just this one ) checks the orientation of the head of the rod before entering the door?

[@MisaloSloe]

The head has to be up to be respectful to the queen

[@IlIIlIIIIIlBrianSt0rm]

@Baron Von Grijffenbourg Yes, the lion is the symbol of our nation. To have it facing any other direction than up would be to diminish the power of our nation. It's tradition

[@johnxinahassmalleyes9544]

Oh a man of culture

[@tryambaknathjha7574]

@@IlIIlIIIIIlBrianSt0rm the symbol of your nation is the lion, you've never seen a naturally born lion that originated from Britain.

[@arthour051]

@@tryambaknathjha7574 Never seen a Unicorn either, but thats also a symbol of our nation

[@509734]

“We don’t need insurance thank you”

[@cowboy4jesus3N1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@trevorm9178]

If a member of the Royal family does manage to sneak into the Commons, any MP that sees them must point them out and shout "I SPY STRANGERS!" AND They have to be escorted out.

[@sattva6089]

Yes 💯 💯

[@pqrstzxerty1296]

Would that include Harry as he is not of Royal bloodline ?

[@Kasiarzynka]

I cannot tell if this is a joke since I just watched a man have ceremonially get a door slammed in front of his face, but I imagined it and it's funny :D

[@jasonvargas7564]

@@pqrstzxerty1296you’re thinking of Hermione. She’s a mudblood, unlike the royal Malfoys. Harry is an orphan.

[@marka4891]

"Good afternoon. I'm the Black Rod appearing on behalf of her Majesty." "I think you're an encyclopedia salesman..." "Not at all! I'd just like to enter the chamber and order you about." "Well... as long as you're not going to try and sell me encyclopedias."

[@ceoofwarcrimes4600]

Now that I'm here would you like to purchase a thesaurus

[@arkamukhopadhyay9111]

Encyclopaedia, and encyclopaediae, respectively, actually.

[@markt1387]

Long as its not about a PPI claim

[@highviewbarbell]

@@arkamukhopadhyay9111 use an ash like a real man! Encyclopædia

[@hitrapperandartistdababy]

Very interesting ceremony. Would this by chance be related to the infamous storming of house of commons by Charles the 1st?

[@kirkbytimestv5869]

That's the one! Like the way they drag the new speaker to their chair because old monarchs would have the speakers executed if they were in a particularly foul mood

[@acasualcactus5878]

Yes, the House of Commons demonstrates their privilege by refusing entrance without their permission.

[@muizrahim861]

Cromwell

[@jonathanwilliams1065]

That is exactly why they do it

[@PASTA_ANDBACON123_PANTS]

thats still the last time a monarch has set foot in the house of commons.

[@kunspuns200]

I have this ceremony everyday at my home

[@maga6252]

#Bahahaha

[@er2206]

😂

[@roseholani8071]

Hahah difference is you are being forced and you are neither common nor lord

[@boplax123]

This is why I like Britain. It's like being a kid playing dress up and doing all these fancy things that aren't necessary but somehow looks cool to see

[@nothanks1239]

If this wasn't done, can garauntee another monarch would have made the same mistake by now. It's a good way to remind everyone past lessons.

[@b.r.6175]

They are the true master of "Larping"

[@sethjansson5652]

@@nothanks1239 If there is anything the royal family has taught us, it's that monarchy is outdated and basically impractical. Even if another king or queen tried to bring back monarchy, they would be thrown out or just laughed at. That's the power of democracy, and it is ultimately integrated in the modern world and it's governments.

[@rurtbeynolds]

Does it? Does it look cool?

[@Spaceystace]

They seem to have some interesting traditions. I hope to visit someday.

[@fabianfabes4751]

0:28 behind the door is Sir David Amess the mp who was fatally stabbed on the 15th October 2021, rest in peace.

[@richardoconnor2560]

Tragic, may he rest in peace.

[@jasonvargas7564]

That’s what he gets for slamming doors.

[@rebelwithoutapplause5629]

And that my friends is what happens if you turn up without a bottle..

[@danilostanco1709]

It's all so formal, yet informal at the same time 😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@theworldofpanda6559]

Gotta act nice and friendly so when they finally talk about laws they can resume the shouting match of sly slanders and insinuations like 12 year olds in 60 year old bodies

[@stoicissistisizedstoicassi812]

As an American taking a personal interest learning about other countries political traditions,.. I never realized how much goes into, and how vast historical ceremonial traditions are still involved with today's current modern politics in Britain. Very regal and pretty cool to see and learn something new I've never seen before but only read read in short descriptions of. Very enriching to watch. Thank you!

[@RS-zp6hb]

It's not cool, it's absurd and demonstrates how out of touch with modern times it all is

[@stoicissistisizedstoicassi812]

@@RS-zp6hb And that is your opinion. Which I respect. But really could care less if you do not respect mine.

[@user-yl4rh8vn8c]

@@stoicissistisizedstoicassi812 couldn’t care less*

[@manwithstds7503]

@@RS-zp6hb that's why it's called tradition, it's not supposed to stay in touch with modern times

[@TheStubertos]

Appreciate you taking the time to learn about it! I'm British and am really only just learning about these traditions and what they mean. If you like crazy traditions you should look up the proclamation of the new king which happened a couple of weeks ago. So fascinating!

[@lightninlarry8936]

The title told me what would happen, and it was still hilarious

[@truthseeker1867]

It's a historical custom in parliament. Happens every single time.

[@lightninlarry8936]

@@truthseeker1867 Never the less, still funny

[@JackSilver1410]

I've always thought that the old esoteric ceremonies like this helped keep a government body more respectable. Certainly more respectable than that buildings full of old men backstabbing and bitching at each other that we have :/

[@alexbatter8109]

Darth Karnis Oh no our's are just as bad. We just cover our crookedness with fancy distractions.

[@ErniLandia]

try to watch BBC's charles III . You will like it.

[@Darqshadow]

The house of lords are somewhat respectable. But the Hpyse of Commons is like our own Co grade, crooked and filthy rich

[@chadhinkley7532]

Ya but the British government is still becoming corrupt af

[@Shadakiwolfen1]

Traditions may not change much but motivations certainly do

[@featuresnobodyaskedfor]

"Queen's Black Rod" and "Mouth of Sauron" have super similar vibes fam

[@Evan-cv2ws]

Well the mouth of Elizabeth seems pretty crusty

[@jxy_vbn8156]

"The queens black rod" C'mon guys, do your thing

[@kermitofficial9428]

The title literally describes what happened on the queens honeymoon

[@Emka877]

I'm not 10 anymore

[@ItsMotoMatt]

Unlike you, WE actually grew up when we became adults. So no, no thank you.

[@jxy_vbn8156]

@@ItsMotoMatt christ you sound like such a pretentious bore

[@poseidon8802]

@@jxy_vbn8156 pretentious bore That's gotta hurt

[@pereinarolsson3928]

What a lovely and interesting circus

[@bradbrownlee8489]

Circus? The real circus is a certain country located in North America.

[@TP-mb9rn]

@@bradbrownlee8489 they are both disgusting no need to fight over this

[@bradbrownlee8489]

@@TP-mb9rn Agreed

[@jonnnyren6245]

"Has door slammed in his face." Last time I checked, this happened to me last night and was forced to sit in the steps of my house in pouring rain for about 1 hour.

[@crystalberry748]

This is my favorite part of the opening of Parliament I love it when they slam the door closed

[@kevincraig6257]

You have to hand it to the British, they keep traditions alive

[@moosaanwar7919]

Yes, including to the extent of colonial attitude towards former colonies.

[@electroskates2434]

@@moosaanwar7919 🧂🧂

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Same with the opening of Parliament in Canada when the Governor General comes to read the throne speech.

[@ErniLandia]

first name: black last name: rod

[@sergeantvedara9165]

HOLD YOUR FIRE! *This man isn't black*

[@DavidSmith-ul4ns]

That will be changed soon because it will be classed as racist 😂

[@METALFREAK03]

@@DavidSmith-ul4ns There would be a literal civil war again.

[@kriss3d]

Wait.. Ive seen that movie.. Its on "hub" isnt it ?

[@andyt3304]

Or "Squeaky Leakey" as he was known when he was the Commanding Officer of my Regiment

[@wishfix]

The separation of powers in action.

[@jt414]

British humour prevails, even in ceremony!😀😉🇬🇧

[@souveniehollande979]

Statistical Overview of Comments: 49% - "Monarchy is outdated!" 39% - "Oooh, interesting custom! What's it about?" 10% - "Those wigs are *fabulous* ! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" 2% - "That's so rude. Why did they slam the door in that poor man's face?" 120% - (Uploaders) "Yeeees, keep those precious views coming. Platinum Play Button, here we come!"

[@TheKatiokung]

This represents the "independent" of the Parliament although the Queen owns it. Me: Ok(?)

[@markturner4219]

No she doesn't. It is the other way around. The Crown is subject to the will of the Commons. The Commons can make laws to regulate the Crown and the Lords. The Crown and rhe Lords can do nothing to regulate the Commons. The Crown rules by consent of the Commons.

[@satyakisil9711]

@Localhost83 - Trimurti and Tridevi lover the commons control the economy, which feeds the army. Not to mention, the police, paramilitary and local militia is controlled by the parliament.

[@SpitfireMLG]

The commons is independent but the Queen has the power to dissolve parliament whenever she wants. Also, all bills written and approved by the commons must get royal assent before it becomes law so the Queen has a lot of power. The Queen is the commander in chief so the Parliament does not control the military and the military is the Queen’s military. (All British soldiers/sailers must swear allegiance and loyalty to the Queen, not Parliament, before they become official soldiers.) However, after the English civil war, the bill of rights was written which gives Parliament the power to decide whether the Queen has a standing army or not. Right now Parliament consents to a standing army because we live in the 21st century and we need a military like every other country The British constitution is very complicated

[@souveniehollande979]

It's a delicate balancing act, ensuring that the Crown and all three Branches of Government function as mutual checks against each other's powers.

[@RyanKeane9]

@@markturner4219 it’s so much more complicated than that.

[@emilinebelle7811]

I hope the British ceremonies and traditions continue. I thoroughly enjoy them

[@spideysensestimewasted3692]

When you open the door to go outside, but then you see the mail man coming 00:09

[@grago]

I like the subtle smirk at 0:03, he's like "it's my time to shine"

[@borisjohnson7799]

This is tradition to separate the House of Commons from the House of Lords and also to show the House of Commons is independent from the crown.

[@garycross5753]

Bunch of creeps

[@gabrielmullins8083]

@@garycross5753 why

[@garycross5753]

@@gabrielmullins8083 just horrible people the lot of them.

[@hajorm.a3474]

What a dumb thing to do, just abolish the monarchy ffs

[@garycross5753]

@@hajorm.a3474 get rid of the lot of them.

[@guytansbariva2295]

It's not as much ridiculous ceremony as you see today in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Of course, if you laugh at it there you get your hand cut off of sent to prison for 10 years. Truth. Go Britainnia! 🇬🇧

[@sunrain4820]

Thank you🥰✌🏽💐🥳🙃💕💜

[@fais6964]

Knock knock Who’s there ? Lettuce Lettuce who ? Lettuce in !

[@DiegoMartinez-Legolu1vs]

Comedy gold

[@svm7260]

Love to see a Black Adder spoof of this ritual ;)

[@StLProgressive]

The ceremonies and traditions are fascinating.

[@Muirton66]

Fantastic tradition, makes you proud to be British....God Save The King

[@TallBoy-vf3tt]

You would think by now they would move with the times and install a ring doorbell...😬

[@justCommando]

Whenever I go to visit someone, I'm going to knock on their door exactly like that. BANG............BANG............BANG............ The authority that such style of knocking evokes. I shall have respect!

[@curiousme113]

In America that's how the police knock

[@Torby4096]

What horror would ensue if one day the door is not slammed!

[@kevinkibler2181]

PANDEMONIUM!!!

[@ayakasalih4189]

It's a harsh reminder who's really got the power

[@brospartacus5069]

Three knocks on the temple door.

[@cshaffer1847]

England: we are a modern country. *Guy with powdered whig carrying a scroll walks by

[@richardoconnor2560]

Love how they keep their history alive through these customs - all while pretty much inventing the modern world.

[@mythicalirishman6346]

The back rod knocks on the back door, as is tradition, before being welcomed in. This is a great day for Canada and therefore the world.

[@dannywhite648]

wrong country

[@mythicalirishman6346]

@@dannywhite648 actually no, it's a saying from South Park

[@chrismunoz7859]

When you try to follow a character when you haven't unlocked that part of the map yet.

[@siyarg.4900]

Just seeing the Speaker and The Black Rod walk and talk as if they were old friends.

[@kriss3d]

And they properly are. Or at least know each other quite well.

[@METALFREAK03]

@@kriss3d didn't they both went to the same school or college, something like that.

[@kriss3d]

@@METALFREAK03 I have no idea. But likely they are afterall working at the same place and possibly do stuff like lunch and such. Its not like they are opponents in any way

[@cephalopod7300]

@@METALFREAK03 No, they didn't go to the same school or the same university. But they would naturally get to know each other as work colleagues.

[@Bergen98]

I mean, the tradition means that the Commons bow to no one and come on their own will, even if the Queen asks

[@jasonvargas7564]

If Queen Lizzie asks me to “come” then a flood of white milk she shall receive

[@petercdowney]

You can see where the door has been knocked on many times over many years!

[@MichaelDodds25]

Pretty sure that's the late Sir David Amess with Peter Bone (edit: and Philip Hollobone) just inside the door when they open it. Interesting coincidence that this video was recommended to me now...

[@roystonboodoo7525]

At whatever level, we are all puppets aren't we.

[@oldschool1993]

All of these long held traditions are part of what give people of Britain a sense of history and pride. Sadly, to the immigrants from other parts of the world who are rapidly inundating Britain, these traditions carry no meaning, so you can see the essence of the country slowly fading away.

[@ssbsnb1200]

If he tripped after walking through the door, comedy gold...

[@j7cc]

England has many grand traditions. Much respect. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇬🇧

[@sushantgolay1347]

No wonder why every british colonies are so messed up even after their independence. It's traditional.

[@jyotiprakashsahoo2584]

Just like us indians !! Equally messed up.

[@gundarvarr1024]

Then how about u bow ur head to the ground just like japan ceremony. at least its not a mess by ur standard.

[@dunruden9720]

Australia, Canada and New Zealand are doing just fine, thanks!

[@CountingStars333]

@@dunruden9720 You're not really colonies that were exploited. You mostly wiped the natives, if any, out to irrelevance.

[@HarizHizami]

May I know the significant of this tradition ? It's quite unique Greeting from Malaysia🇲🇾🇲🇾🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@markturner4219]

It shows the monarch is subject to the will of the House of Commons. It partially comemorates the last time a monarch (Charles I) forced his way uninvited into the House of Commons. This was one of the pivotal events that led to the English Civil War. In the end the Commons reinforced their point by publicly executing Charles.

[@dunruden9720]

Don't you got no Google?

[@DylanSargesson]

In the 1640s (before the English Civil War) King Charles I stormed into Parliament with troops and attempted to arrest several MPs. The Parliamentarians won the Civil War, and became the most powerful political institution in the country abolishing the Monarchy. Even when the Monarchy (under Charles II) was later restored, the principle that the House of Commons was independent of and superior to the Crown remained. This tradition is symbolic of that independence, so when the Gentleman/Lady Usher of the Black Rod (who is acting on the Queen's Instruction) comes to the Commons Chamber they're not allowed in until the Commons choses to open the door to them. Where they walk off to at the end of the video is the Queen's Speech in the House of Lords. This is how the Government announces what it intends to legislate about in the upcoming (usually year long) session -- another way the Commons traditionally shows their independence is by having their first item of business after the speech be on something not mentioned in the speech. This practice actually began before the Civil War (earliest records of it being in 1558), but since 1727 it's been done in the same way with an empty bill called the 'Outlawries Bill'.

[@ParagonPKC]

So everyone knows the man (now woman) in charge of the parliamentary house who reports to the Clerk is there.

[@nalenitiwari3571]

Oh goodness I was just about to say how rude that was what a strange tradition

[@ahmetkoba4493]

This theater emerges when the weak is tried to be presented as the strong. But there is no problem, the public is satisfied with the king / queen.

[@225Reaver]

Hey America! Now's a good time to introduce a fun new tradition to your parliamentary system!

[@junme1389]

Instead of a "Slamming of the Door" it will be a "Shooting of the Ashli" 😂 I'd get behind that 🇺🇸

[@redsquirrel1086]

Tradition plays a huge part in attracting visitors to the UK, whether that be buildings or customs. Some traditions have even been embellished for the benefit of tourists. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace for example is much more of a performance than it was years ago.

[@waynecote31]

Fascinating,...!

[@saraross8396]

Someone in the House of Commons: "Can I slam the door this year?"

[@jordanmicahcook]

I’d be VERY happy deep inside if powdered wigs came back into style for a season…

[@RyanKeane9]

Yes! And ruffs!

[@jasonvargas7564]

You there! Would you like a spot of tea? YeEEEeeessss Flourish the pinky

[@Badchi]

Such a beautiful tradition.

[@baliharsingh2315]

God bless you

[@lordcharfield4529]

So much comedy potential in this part of the ritual/tradition.

[@SteveHarwood-pq3fn]

Yep, has Monty Python written all over it.

[@anninaut]

Britains are so wonderful and straight and with funny traditions. ❤️

[@dunruden9720]

Britons

[@guytansbariva2295]

Better than Putins eh?

[@The_Christian_Cavalier]

@@guytansbariva2295 please go in depth and write two paragraphs

[@guytansbariva2295]

@@The_Christian_Cavalier About how the British are twits stuck 100 years in the past? It'll be more than two paragraphs ehehe

[@The_Christian_Cavalier]

@@guytansbariva2295 you really are dense, thinking brits are stuck 100 years in the past. How dare you insult an entire nation!

[@13thcentury]

"Oh, not again, Gavin!" Knock knock

[@scottenosh4548]

That's why you should always be on time.

[@22espec]

Let me guess: a tradition born because it happened once 500 years ago

[@cephalopod7300]

You guessed wrong

[@Negs42]

You couldn't be more wrong mate

[@drparnassus2867]

I do feel sorry for Miliband, having to make polite conversation with David Cameron all that way.

[@Thrive910]

This is one of the silliest things I have ever seen and I live in America so that is saying something.

[@hhhsf4357]

Do you know what it symbolises?

[@sam-pc6fr]

Why has this only just been recommended

[@kimi17171]

Tbh, this is always my favorite part

[@FortunateJuice]

I love the pagentry. It's so much fun.

[@bobbythompson3544]

What a collection!

[@Goldenfeather77]

Correct protocol. Exceptional.

[@encikbakri6646]

the history started when the late king Charles the first ... n the conflict with the parliament ..

[@CretaceousAnimations9535]

I love my country so much god bless the queen

[@aayushdas19]

Ok.

[@kabirsingh7630]

Lol

[@revinhatol]

Whoa!

[@mizkel4604]

I just love the British!!!!!! This is such a great video. Thank you for sharing it! God bless

[@Dawnerst]

Thanks KZbin algorithm for this intriguing bit.

[@chegadesuade]

One of the most unexpectedly funny videos I've ever seen, they definitely did that on purpose and said "now watch that nerd get mad and knock on the door with his rod"

[@alexsandrkerensky7457]

INSANE DOOR SLAMMING

[@hamburgerhamburgerv2]

those taps are like *L E T* *M E* *I N*

[@mos9500]

Oooh...let's hang on to that tradition 😂😂