King Charles signs off Parliament break at Privy Council behind Palace doors

King Charles carried out one of the monarchy’s most formal duties at St James's Palace on April 1, 2026, chairing a Privy Council meeting to pause Parliament.

The official order, signed “by His Majesty in Council,” confirmed that Parliament will be prorogued Westminster speak for pressing pause on political business between late April and early May, before returning for a fresh session.

It’s part of the UK’s political rhythm. Prorogation marks the end of a parliamentary session, drawing a line under current debates, bills, and unfinished business before a new chapter begins with the State Opening of Parliament. 

The announcement, traditionally delivered in the House of Lords on behalf of the King, brings most parliamentary work to a halt unanswered questions drop and only select legislation survives if carried over. 

This latest decision came after the King convened the Privy Council, a centuries-old body that advises the monarch showing how even in 2026, the machinery of British governance still runs on rituals steeped in tradition.

The language of the order speaks of “urgent and important affairs.”