LORD GREAT CHAMBERLAIN

One of the Great Officers of State, the Lord Great Chamberlain is responsible for Royal affairs in the Palace of Westminster.

He is not to be confused with the Lord Chamberlain, who is responsible for The Queen's Household and based at Buckingham Palace.

On ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament, the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Earl Marshal are responsible for meeting The Queen when she arrives at Parliament, and ensuring her wellbeing while in Parliament.

On ceremonial occasions, the Lord Great Chamberlain wears scarlet dress and has the gold key of his office hanging from his waist.

The Lord Great Chamberlain has jurisdiction, entrusted by the Sovereign, for areas of the Palace of Westminster which are not administered by the House of Lords and House of Commons. These are primarily the Royal Robing Room and the Royal Gallery. He has joint control with the Speakers of the two Houses, for Westminster Hall and the Crypt Chapel.

The title is hereditary. After constant disputes, the House of Lords decided in 1902 that the office was jointly vested in the families of the Marquessate of Cholmondeley, the Earldom of Ancaster and the Marquessate of Lincolnshire.

King Edward VII agreed that the post should be held in turn for the duration of a reign.

The office is currently held by the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley.