Chatter since Boris Johnson was installed as prime minister in Downing Street has suggested that the Conservatives have been considering proroguing parliament: shutting it down to prevent MPs from frustrating any attempt by Johnson to force through a no-deal Brexit. That rumor was confirmed today, as a gang including Jacob Rees-Mogg prepared to visit the Queen in one of her many castles, Balmoral, to ask her to undertake a prorogation.

British politics swiftly descended into chaos at the announcement. One anti-Brexit campaign group, Best for Britain, issued a deeply weird statement reminding the Queen of Britain’s history of regicide: “It would make no sense for the Queen to back this deeply undemocratic, unconstitutional and fundamentally political maneuver from the government. If the Queen is asked to help, she would do well to remember history doesn’t look too kindly on royals who aid and abet the suspension of democracy.” There’s little question that the United Kingdom has lost its head collectively since the 2016 referendum result, but threatening to cut the monarch’s head off would have been seen as a step too far for centrists even yesterday.

Why are the Conservatives doing this? In the past few days, opposition parties have been talking about possible solutions to escape what looks to be a near certain careening lurch towards a no-deal Brexit. After the Lib Dems and hard-core Remainers realized their constant accusations that Jeremy Corbyn was a hard-line Brexiter were not remotely believed by the public, the possibility of a fragile coalition to block a no-deal Brexit looked more likely. Proroguing parliament blocks any opposition attempt to prevent crashing out of Europe with no deal and the logistical nightmare that would ensure.