BLACK ROD
The task of summoning the Commons to the Lords at the 
State Opening falls to the Gentleman Usher of the Black 
Rod. The position of Black Rod is believed to go back 
almost as far the establishment of the Order of the 
Garter, of which he is an officer, in 1348. The first 
recorded reference to Black Rod is dated 1361. Today, 
he has many duties in the House of Lords, including 'the 
care and custody, and pre-eminence of keeping' of the doors 
of the High Court of Parliament. 

He has responsibility for admitting and excluding people from
the house, disciplining unruly members, and (at least in theory) maintaining order in the chamber. He also takes responsibility for the Royal Apartments in the Palace, including the Queen's Robing Room and the Royal Gallery.