Thread by @Staedtler

I understand now.
It turns out I've been confused about some of this stuff all along. I thought parliaments just ended by themselves.

No. No.

A parliament is the period between two general elections. I know that part.

And I thought a session was the period between two Queen's speeches. But no. You were right and I was wrong.

A "session" is the period between the state opening at one end, and prorogation at the other.

That's what I mean. I thought each parliamentary session had a fixed date and then just ended by themselves.

Apparently, just as a session has to be formally opened with a Queen's speech, so it also has to be formally closed by prorogation.

Prorogation consists of a notice on behalf of the Queen which is read out in the House of Lords with Commons attending - I'm reading this as I type.

Once the notice of prorogation has been given, Parliament then stands suspended.

Once prorogued, a new session can only start up with a state opening and a Queen's speech.

A session is brought to an end by notice of prorogation.
A new session is begun with a Queen's speech.

Parliament is dissolved at a general election and all seats fall vacant.
After the election, the first session of the new parliament is begun with a Queen's speech