THE CEREMONY OF INTRODUCTION
AND PROROGATION

When a peer takes his or her own seat in the House of Lords for the first time they are introduced to the House by sponsors – two peers of his or her own rank.  In this, the ceremony of introduction, all three dignitaries wear parliamentary robes and carry black cocked hats.  The Garter Kings of Arms and the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod join them.  The Reading Clerk reads the Letters Patent.  Then the new peer swears the oath of allegiance or solemn affirmation and signs the Test Roll. Once seated all three peers don their hats.

The ceremony of prorogation brings the session of Parliament to a close.  It is extremely rare for parliamentary robes to be worn outside the Palace of Westminster. It only occurred twice during the 20th century.  Both occasions were the investiture of a new Prince of Wales, in 1911 and 1969.