I think Copilot made that up. Notice the seating behind the table in these two images, one of a session with John Berkow prosiding as speaker, I think it is un

I think Copilot made that up. Notice the seating behind the table in these two images, one of a session with John Berkow prosiding as speaker, I think it is under Cameron's government (noughties [1]); the other of Pitt the Younger addressing the House [2]. Neither shows a vacant seat. Perhaps it is confusing it with the opening of parliament when the Queen wasn't able to attend (2022 [3]) and her throne was left vacant? The mace represents the king's authority in parliament, you can see it at the front edge of the table in both images ([1], [2]). The monarch's messenger is Black Rod, they're the one who knocks on the door to call the MPs to go and listen to the "King's" Speech. [1] https://cdn.britannica.com/25/99525-050-DCC15F00/Chamber-House-of-Commons-Houses-Parliament-London.jpg https://cdn.britannica.com/25/99525-050-DCC15F00/Chamber-Hou... [2] https://cdn.britannica.com/03/129303-050-05283CEF/William-Pitt-the-Younger-House-of-Commons-1793.jpg https://cdn.britannica.com/03/129303-050-05283CEF/William-Pi... [3] https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/may/09/queen-to-miss-state-opening-of-parliament-says-buckingham-palace https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/may/09/queen-to-mis...