Without Royal Assent

At the time appointed, the Lords Commissioners enter the Chamber, and the Commons are summoned (see appendix E, page 215), as follows:

"Mr Speaker, the Lords who are authorised by virtue of Her Majesty's commission to declare Her Royal Assent to Acts [and Measures] passed by both Houses [and to an Act passed in accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949], and also to declare the prorogation of Parliament, desire the presence of this honourable House in the House of Peers."

The Lord Chancellor says:

"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

Her Majesty, not thinking fit to be personally present here at this time, has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Great Seal, for proroguing this present Parliament; and we are commanded to deliver to you Her Majesty's Speech in Her Majesty's own words."

The Lord Chancellor then reads the Queen's Speech.

The Commission for proroguing Parliament is then read (see appendix E, page 215), after which the Lord Chancellor, still seated and covered, says:

"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission under the Great Seal to us and other Lords directed and now read, we do in Her Majesty's Name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to … the … day of … to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to … the … day of …."

The Commons then withdraw (see appendix E, page 215).

As soon as the Commons have withdrawn, the Purse-bearer takes the hat and lesson-folder from the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor and the other Commissioners then rise and bow to the House. The Lord Chancellor leaves the House through the door on the spiritual side near the Throne. The Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms takes up the Mace from the Woolsack, and the Lord Speaker leaves the House by the Bar. As soon as he has left the House the remaining Commissioners turn right and are led by the Commissioner who sat on the extreme right of the Lord Chancellor out of the House through the door on the spiritual side near the Throne.

With Royal Assent

If at the time of prorogation there are bills ready for Royal Assent, they must be dealt with before Parliament can be prorogued. One Commission is issued for both Royal Assent and prorogation. When the Commons have arrived, the Lord Chancellor, remaining seated and covered, says:

"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

Her Majesty, not thinking fit to be personally present here at this time, has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Great Seal, and thereby given Her Royal Assent to divers Acts which have been agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament, the Titles whereof are particularly mentioned, and by the said Commission has commanded us to declare and notify Her Royal Assent to the said several Acts, in the presence of you the Lords and Commons assembled for that purpose; and has also assigned to us and other Lords directed full power and authority in Her Majesty's Name to prorogue this present Parliament. Which Commission you will now hear read."

The Commission is read (see appendix E, page 215) and Royal Assent signified (see appendix H, page 224).

Then the Lord Chancellor says:

"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

We are commanded to deliver to you Her Majesty's Speech in Her Majesty's own words."

He reads the speech and then says:

"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has been now read, we do, in Her Majesty's Name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to … the… day of … to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to … the … day of …."

The Commons then withdraw, and the Commissioners leave the House, in the manner described for prorogation by Commission without Royal Assent.