King Charles III. - Monarch receives Prime Minister Keir Starmer
King Charles III. (75) has fulfilled his duties as British Monarch and met Sir Keir Starmer (61) at Buckingham Palace on Friday (5th July). The King asked Starmer, after the Labour Party's victory in the Parliamentary election, to form a government.
Starmer met also with the outgoing Prime Minister
"Sir Keir accepted and was appointed as the Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury," the Palace announced in a statement. The official photo of the meeting was also published on Instagram. In the picture, Charles and the Labour politician are seen shaking hands, which is part of the ceremony. The first official meeting between the Monarch and his new Prime Minister is also referred to as the "kissing of hands" ("Handkuss"). Afterwards, Starmer gave a speech in front of the Downing Street government building.
King Charles reportedly met with the outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (44) before the ceremony, who arrived at the Palace with his wife Akshata Murty (44) around 11 am. Sunak had a private audience with Charles, during which he submitted his resignation as Prime Minister and recommended that Sir Keir Starmer be appointed to form a new government. His wife joined him and the King shortly after. The couple then left the Palace privately. There was no reported meeting with the new Prime Minister, who was accompanied by his wife Victoria.
From coming Wednesday, Starmer's weekly audiences with the King are scheduled to begin. The formal opening of Parliament is planned for the 17th July, Queen Camilla's 77th birthday.
- During his meeting with the outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before the ceremony, King Charles III requested that Sunak recommend Sir Keir Starmer to form a new government.
- The Parliamentary election resulted in the Labour Party's victory, increasing the likelihood of a Labour-led government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- After the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, the newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid a visit to 10 Downing Street, formerly the residence of the outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
