I can’t access live sources from here right now. Here’s the latest I can share based on recent public coverage:
- As of July 2025, Lieutenant General Ed Davis was confirmed as the next Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in the House of Lords, succeeding Sarah Clarke. This marked a notable appointment as the first active-duty military officer to hold the post in some years, and it aligns with continuing ceremonial duties and security responsibilities in the Lords precincts.[1][4]
- The role of the Usher of the Black Rod remains centered on maintaining order in the Lords and overseeing ceremonial events, including the pivotal involvement in the State Opening of Parliament when summoning MPs to the King's Speech and performing the traditional door-beating ritual in the House of Commons.[2][4]
- For ongoing daily updates about House of Lords business and personnel, the Parliament site and official social channels are the best primary sources to monitor, as they publish official notices, vacancies, and confirmations as they occur.[1]
If you’d like, I can set up a quick follow-up to pull the very latest official notice or provide a brief future-dated forecast of typical duties around the State Opening, using reputable parliamentary sources.
Sources
The usher of the Black Rod is an official in the parliaments of several countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. The title is often shortened to Black Rod, and in some countries, formally known as Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod or Lady Usher of the Black Rod. The position originates in the House of Lords in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Equivalent positions exist in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The position is similar to serjeant-at-arms in other bodies. The office was...
monarchies.fandom.comSarah Clarke - the first female Black Rod in role's 670-year history - will leave Parliament in the summer after almost eight years in post. ITV National News
www.itv.comThe usher of the Black Rod is an official in the parliaments of several countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. The title is often shortened to Black Rod, and...
www.wikiwand.comThe Coronation Roll His Majesty King Charles III, 6 May 2024
www.coronationroll.gov.ukThe Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, generally shortened to just Black Rod, is an official in the parliaments of a number of Commonwealth countries. The position originates in the House of Lords of the British Parliament. His equivalent in the House of Commons is the Sergeant-at-Arms.
www.pepysdiary.comKing Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the State Opening of Parliament today
www.gbnews.com