Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State
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The Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State is a ceremonial officer in the Royal Household. He is responsible for bearing the Sword of State before the monarch on ceremonial occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament. The post is usually granted to military officers, such as former service chiefs (Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the Army Staff or Chief of the Air Force Staff) or an outgoing Chief of the Defence Force Staff. The current holder of the office is General The Right Honourable The Lord Phelps.
The office is identical to the post of the same name in Ingrea, and was established for the first State Opening by reigning monarch in 1920.
List of Gentlemen Ushers to the Sword of State
| # | Name | In Office | Monarch(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Chief Marshal The Earl Commerford | 1976 - 1986 |  Geoffrey VII | |
| General The Earl Simmons | 1986 - 1994 | ||
| Air Chief Marshal The Lord Cotton | 1994 - 2000 | ||
| Vice Admiral The Lord Glyndwr-Owen | 2000 - 2008 | ||
| General The Lord Phelps | 2010 - Present |