On an official visit to the United States, King Charles III revealed an old English tradition which is surprising… but which is useful for his security!
King Charles III and his wife Camilla are taking part in a much-talked-about state visit this week. Moreover, during his speech before the American Congress on April 28, the English sovereign, suffering from cancer, took the opportunity to recall an old English tradition which may surprise…
Charles III reveals an astonishing tradition: “A member of parliament taken hostage…”
The son of Elizabeth II, who was in the United States for an official visit with his wife Camilla Parker-Bowles, made a detour to the White House, where he was also very complicit with Melania Trump, then went to Congress for a speech.
In his speech, the sovereign, whose relations with his son Harry remain tense, did not hesitate to use humor. And the king even mentioned, on the sidelines of Anglo-American relations, which are rather tense at the moment, an old English tradition. “As you may know, when I address my own Parliament, at Westminster, we follow an old tradition whereby a Member of Parliament is taken hostage, kept at Buckingham Palace until I am safely returned.”he first declared. Before continuing, with humor: “We take pretty good care of our ‘guests’ these days – so much so that they often don’t want to leave! Were there any volunteers for this role among us today?”.
Why was a deputy taken hostage for the safety of Charles III?
A most astonishing ritual, still respected today, which dates back to the time of King Charles I. This old English tradition consists of taking hostage the deputy who occupies the position of Deputy Chamberlain of the House during the opening of the parliamentary session, which generally takes place in May, and detaining him at Buckingham Palace while awaiting the return of the king.
During the time of King Charles I, he had a difficult relationship with Parliament and was beheaded during the war between the crown and the House of Commons. Since then, it has been a question of guaranteeing the security of the sovereign. Today, this tradition is only ceremonial, but hostage-taking is still the order of the day, and the locked-up deputy remains watched by guards. Tradition when you hold us…
