Many of Parliament’s key officials and famous ceremonies are hundreds of years old; some emerged in the 13th century.
They have continuously evolved and adapted with the times and with the demands of successive Governments, generations of parliamentarians and members of the Royal family, as well as public and political circumstance.
Officials are recognisable for their 18th century court dress. Ceremonies are marked by tradition, colour and choreography. Their continued existence attests to the power of tradition at Westminster.