United Kingdom Serjeant-at-arms

1 united kingdom

1.1 parliament
1.2 royal household
1.3 insignia

united kingdom

serjeants-at-arms maces, travelling buckingham palace westminster after state opening of parliament.


parliament

the serjeant-at-arms of house of commons responsible security matters concerning house of commons. serjeant, whilst in commons overseeing proceedings, can escort mps out of chamber order of speaker of house. post dates 1415, , has been held retired military or police figures (though in recent years civil service background have been appointed). current serjeant-at-arms kamal el-hajji (appointed in december 2015); head of front of house , vip relations @ ministry of justice 2010.

the equivalent officer house of lords gentleman usher of black rod; there formerly separate serjeant-at-arms of house of lords, 2 appointments merged in 1971 (since when mace has routinely been carried black rod s deputy, yeoman usher).

the royal household

in addition above-mentioned officers there other serjeants-at-arms attend sovereign on state occasions, remnant of body established richard (though today role purely ceremonial). usually, members of royal household serve serjeants-at-arms have had office bestowed on them mark of distinction long , meritorious service.

insignia

the mace serves symbol of royal , parliamentary authority. ten maces kept in jewel house @ tower of london in addition kept house of commons, house of lords , lord chancellor. carrying maces, on state occasions each serjeant-at-arms wears collar of esses symbol of or office.