The State Opening of Parliament is one of the most dazzling spectacles the British Monarchy has to offer. It is also one of the key events in the calendar year when the best British traditions is on show, including the most bizarre ones. Prior to The Queen arriving at the State Opening, the Royal Household traditionally take a Member of Parliament as a hostage in exchange for The Queen’s safe return.
This tradition harks back to the days when the Monarch and Parliament didn’t get on so well and in order to ensure the wellbeing of the Sovereign whilst in Parliament, the Royal Household insisted on taking a hostage. The hostage, who is usually a Government whip, is taken to Buckingham Palace for the duration of the ceremony where he or she is well looked after by Palace staff.
Hostage MPs have included:
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