Charles: Constitution experts check royal marriage laws

Parliamentary officials were scouring records today to see whether the Commons and the Lords would need to approve the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles.

If the election is to be held on 5 May, Parliament would be expected to pro-rogue - close down - on 8 April.

If an Act of Parliament is needed, it is unlikely to be unopposed, with MPs taking the opportunity to raise issues such as the future of the monarchy, laws of succession and the disestablishment of the Church of England.

With possibly only a few weeks left of the parliamentary timetable before the expected election, other legislation may be scuppered by the need to push the Bill through.

But so far neither the Cabinet Office nor the Department for Constitutional Affairs could confirm the extent of Parliament's role.