Prorogation ceremony

MPs and peers have marked the end of the parliamentary session with the traditional prorogation ceremony on 1 May 2012.

The ceremony formally brings to a close the current parliamentary session.

The new Parliament will be ushered in at the State Opening of Parliament on 9 May.

Any bill that is not passed before prorogation is dropped, apart from Public Bills that have had a carry-over motion passed; in this instance debate can continue into the next session.

The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod summoned MPs to attend the House of Lords to witness outstanding acts being given royal assent.

By ancient tradition the legislation is given royal assent in Norman French using the words "La Reyne le veult", which roughly translates as "the Queen wills it".

At the end of the ceremony, it is customary for MPs to shake the hand of the Commons Speaker as they file out of the chamber.