Change of power in Great Britain - This role is played by King Charles
After the election in Britain, the incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (44) conceded defeat to his challenger Keir Starmer (61) and his Labour Party. Therefore, King Charles (75) will for the second time during his reign be tasked with appointing a new Prime Minister.
The designated Prime Minister Starmer must adhere to the strict royal protocol. As soon as an election winner is officially determined, Buckingham Palace, according to "The Times," informs the new Prime Minister that he should "prepare himself." However, the loser is received first.
Farewell Audience for Rishi Sunak
Sunak is reportedly the first to be invited to the Buckingham Palace, where he is expected to arrive today (5th July) in the late morning, according to the report. At this appointment, the outgoing Prime Minister can reportedly bring his spouse and children for a "farewell audience." Afterward, he loses his official privileges. Upon being driven to the palace in a government car, he must arrange his departure in a private car, the "Times" states. There will also be no official photos of Sunak leaving the royal residence. Additionally, he will not meet his successor in the palace, according to "The Telegraph."
The new Prime Minister is then reportedly invited in the afternoon. Starmer, according to media reports, can bring his wife but not his children to the invitation. The spouse of the Prime Minister does not have to accept the invitation. Akshata Murty (44), Sunak's wife, is said to have not accompanied her husband to his first audience with Charles two years ago.
Upon arriving at the palace, the new Prime Minister is greeted by Sir Clive Alderton (57), the Queen's private secretary. The first official meeting between the Monarch and his new Prime Minister is referred to as a "kissing of hands," but the greeting will not be that intimate. The King will ask Starmer to form a government during the audience, to which Starmer will bow and shake the King's hand. This moment will be photographed.
After the meeting with the King, whose contents remain secret, the new Prime Minister can reportedly retreat to a private room in the palace to prepare a speech before being taken to his official residence, Downing Street, in a government car that exits through the palace's main gates.
Beginning on Wednesday, weekly audiences for Starmer with the King are scheduled to commence. The formal opening of Parliament is set for the 17th of July, Queen Camilla's 77th birthday.
- Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Prime Minister of Great Britain, is expected to visit Buckingham Palace today for a farewell audience, as reported by "The Times."
- Contrarily, Keir Starmer, the newly appointed Prime Minister, will only be invited to Buckingham Palace in the afternoon, according to media reports.
- During his first audience with King Charles III, Keir Starmer's wife may accompany him, but his children will not, similar to what happened with Akshata Murty, Rishi Sunak's wife, two years ago.
- After meeting with King Charles III, the new Prime Minister will retreat to a private room in the palace to prepare a speech before being driven to Downing Street in a government car.
- Following the change of power, King Charles III will commence weekly audiences with Prime Minister Starmer beginning on Wednesday, coinciding with Queen Camilla's 77th birthday.
