Staff of office

The walking stick used by bishops and archimandrites is normally adorned with a silver grip at the top and a metal ferrule at the tip.

[4] Monarchs often have a rod or sceptre signifying their office, and field-marshals are traditionally given a short thick baton in several countries.

[6] Apart from the Lord High Steward (an office which is only now filled for coronations), all the above-listed officials were seen carrying their white staves during the State funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

[7] The Lord Chamberlain, as executive head of the Royal Household, ceremonially breaks his white staff at the monarch's state funeral, when he automatically loses office; it is then buried with the sovereign.

[13] A queen consort traditionally has a separate Household, headed by her own Lord Chamberlain, who is likewise invested with a white staff.

[15] The Earl Marshal and the Lord High Constable carry batons as their insignia when on duty, reflecting the military origins of those offices.