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Lieutenant General David Leakey has been appointed to the post of Black Rod, it has been announced.
Buckingham Palace said the former military commander will start work on February 1, following the retirement of Lieutenant General Sir Freddie Viggers due to ill health.
Sir Freddie missed the start of the new session of Parliament this year after suffering from multiple strokes and has not been well enough to return to work.
Since May, his duties have been carried out by his deputy, Yeoman Usher Ted Lloyd-Jukes.
Lt Gen Leakey served as an army officer from 1971 until earlier this year and has commanded forces and operations in a number of areas, including the Balkans.
Black Rod is responsible for and participates in the major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster and has a similar role to the Serjeant at Arms in the House of Commons.
His most famous job is his role in the state opening of Parliament, when he is sent from the House of Lords to the Commons to summon MPs to hear the Queen's Speech.
As well as his ceremonial duties Black Rod is also responsible for security of the House of Lords and organising access to and maintaining order within the Lords Chamber and the precincts.
He also overseas the police services and fire safety in the House.
The role was traditionally filled by a retired officer from the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force, but since 2002 the job has been advertised more widely.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said:
"The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Lieutenant General David Leakey, CMG CBE, as Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain and Serjeant-at-Arms of the House of Lords.
"The appointment follows the forthcoming retirement of Lieutenant General Sir Freddie Viggers, KCB CMG MBE."
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