The State Opening of Parliament is a big day for the Royal Family, but one MP spent it held ‘hostage’ at Buckingham Palace as part of a centuries-old tradition
Labour MP Nic Dakin was held “hostage” at Buckingham Palace yesterday . . . because Britain is a strange country. As part of custom, an MP – typically a Vice-Chamberlain of the Household – will remain “hostage” while the King attends the State Opening of Parliament (which happened yesterday).
The peculiar custom stretches back to the 1600s when relations between Parliament and the Royal Family were considerably more tense. It commenced after Guy Fawkes’ botched Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This occurred when he and his conspirators schemed to detonate the Palace of Westminster upon King James I’s arrival.
The custom occurs so the King can return to Buckingham Palace without incident, reports the Express.
Yesterday, Nic Dakin was the one who was held hostage, and he was told to “stay safe” after declaring on social media: “Off to Buckingham Palace to be the ‘hostage’ ensuring HM The King’s safe return when he opens Parliament – a tradition dating back to Charles I. Not sure I’m looking forward to it, but glad to play my part!”
Nobody has heard from him seince, but seeing the funny side, one user replied: “Can’t Starmer be the hostage instead? Mind you he wouldn’t be much use as a hostage, because no one would want him back.”
And another said: “Or you could just pay the ransom. The Treasury needs the cash tbh. Best wishes wither way.”
The Parliament website explains that it happens as a “reminder of the violence and intrigue historically surrounding relationships between the commons and the Crown.”
Despite the custom remaining in place, the King’s weekly meetings with the Prime Minister demonstrate that relations have improved.
Former Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick previously revealed his own experience of being held hostage during the late Queen’s reign.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I could do absolutely anything I wanted in Buckingham Palace, I could wander around, I could have a gin and tonic… they didn’t actually lock me up but they made it clear I wasn’t going anywhere.”
The State Opening of Parliament occured in the House of Lords chamber and traditionally takes place on the opening day of the fresh parliamentary session, which normally happens in November. Yet this year is taking place on a different date owing to the shift in government.
As the pair arrived, they were met by a crowd of anti-monarchy demonstrators from campaign group Republic, who seek to abolish the constitutional monarchy of the UK.
The King delivered his annual address, which outlined several fresh Bills due to be brought forward by Keir Starmer’s Government and enacted over the coming year . . . or for however long he remains leader.
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