Why King Charles Took MP Nic Dakin ‘Hostage’ at Buckingham Palace Before His Parliament Speech
While King Charles delivered a speech at the State Opening of Parliament, Labour MP Nic Dakin was being officially held hostage in Buckingham Palace.
The royal family has been known for its absurd and strict rules, and just recently, one of its yet another customs got unveiled. While it was public knowledge that King Charles delivered a speech at the State Opening of Parliament, many did not know that throughout the duration, Labour MP Nic Dakin was being officially held hostage in Buckingham Palace. Well, you did read it right, the MP was held hostage until the completion of the King's speech, and it is no violent action from the palace, but yet another bizarre royal tradition.
While things are now a lot different, the State Opening of Parliament is still filled with centuries-old traditions that reflect the historic tensions between the monarchy and Parliament. One of the most unusual customs involves a Member of Parliament being held ceremonially “hostage” at Buckingham Palace while the King travels to Parliament, ensuring the monarch’s safe return. In this instance, it happened to be the MP from Scunthorpe, Dakin.
Sharing the update with his countrymen, the MP took to his official Instagram account and shared, "I’m shortly about to leave Parliament to be taken ‘hostage’ at Buckingham Palace." Explaining the situation, he continued, "When His Majesty The King comes to Parliament to open a new session, an MP is dispatched to Buckingham Palace to ensure his safe return. This tradition dates back to the time of Charles I, whose fraught relationship with Parliament ultimately led to his execution in 1649 at the end of the Civil War."
Further detailing the custom and ensuring everyone's safety, he added, "During a recent visit to the United States, the King even mentioned this custom in his speech to Congress, noting that the 'hostage' is treated very well - and often reluctant to leave." Dakin concluded by penning, "I’m not sure I can say I’m looking forward to the experience, but I’m very happy to play my part in helping keep His Majesty safe!"
The tradition has been followed for centuries, and sharing more insights on it, the UK Parliament, via its official website, notified that the custom is "a reminder of the violence and intrigue historically surrounding relationships between the Commons and the Crown." They continued, "A Member of the Commons is ceremonially held hostage in Buckingham Palace while the Sovereign attends Parliament, to ensure the King's safe return. This tradition stems from the time of Charles I, who had a contentious relationship with Parliament and was eventually beheaded in 1649 at the conclusion of a civil war between the monarchy and Parliament."
Elaborating on why it was MP Dakin being held hostage, the website added, "The hostage is usually the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household – that is, an MP whose office makes him or her officially a member of the Royal Household and, simultaneously, a junior Whip for the Government." Another long-standing ritual that takes place before the King arrives at the Palace of Westminster is when the Yeomen of the Guard search the building’s cellars for explosives. The ceremony remembers the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and other conspirators attempted to blow up King James I and Parliament.
