The monarch sends the "Black Rod" to summon the commons to her state opening of parliament. The Black Rod is a senior officer in the House of Lords who is responsible for maintaining order and security within the chamber. The tradition of the monarch sending the Black Rod to summon the commons dates back to the 14th century. When the monarch arrives at the House of Lords to deliver the Queen's Speech at the state opening of parliament, the doors of the House of Commons are ceremonially slammed in the face of the Black Rod. This symbolic act represents the independence of the Commons from the monarch's authority. Once the doors are opened, the Black Rod invites the members of the House of Commons to attend the state opening of parliament. This tradition highlights the separation of powers between the monarch, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons, and underscores the importance of parliamentary democracy in the United Kingdom. The state opening of parliament is a significant event in the UK's political calendar, as it marks the official beginning of a new parliamentary session. During the ceremony, the monarch delivers the Queen's Speech, which outlines the government's legislative agenda for the coming year. Members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons are in attendance, along with various dignitaries and guests. To learn more about the role of the Black Rod and the state opening of parliament, you can visit the official website of the UK Parliament at www.parliament.uk. There, you will find detailed information on parliamentary procedures, traditions, and the history of the monarchy in the UK. In conclusion, the monarch sends the Black Rod to summon the commons to her state opening of parliament as a symbol of the separation of powers and the importance of parliamentary democracy in the United Kingdom. This centuries-old tradition continues to be a highlight of the UK's political calendar, bringing together members of both houses of parliament to hear the government's legislative agenda for the year ahead.

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