As a mark of respect, the chimes of Big Ben, as the bell and clock tower by the Palace of Westminster are commonly known, were silenced for the duration of the proceedings.

CNN: SHARE THIS

"Big Ben" is officially the name of the 13.5 ton bell inside St Stephen's Tower, and not the name of the tower itself.

CNN: May 4, 2012 -- Updated 1058 GMT (1858 HKT)