Why MP Marcus Jones was held hostage at Buckingham Palace while Queen opened Parliament There is also a tradition where the door to the Commons is abruptly shut on the face of the Black Rod, the chief Lady Usher to the Queen. May 12, 2021 07:35 BST When Queen Elizabeth II attended the State Opening of Parliament in Westminster on Tuesday, Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones was held hostage at Buckingham Palace until she returned, as per an age-old custom in Britain. Whenever the Queen visits the Palace of Westminister where MPs and Lords meet to form and change the laws of the land, a British Member of Parliament is held hostage awaiting her safe return. This archaic tradition seems unnecessary in the 21st century, but it started as a genuine concern for the safety of the monarch.