Yeoman Usher
The Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod acts as the deputy to the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod and assists him with his duties. He also attends to the Lord Chancellor in carrying the Mace in and out of the House of Lords Chamber.

Yeomen of the Guard
The Yeomen of the Guard are a military corps founded by Henry VII in 1485. Since then they have been the bodyguard of the Monarch although their duties today are purely ceremonial. They wear a distinctive red uniform dating back to Tudor times and are more often known by the name of Beefeaters.

Before the State Opening of Parliament, the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster to ensure that there is no repeat of the Gunpowder Conspiracy, when Guy Fawkes was arrested in the cellars attempting to blow up the Palace.