The General Election campaign will impact the engagements the Royal Family can under take in the coming six weeks.
King Charles spoke to Rishi Sunak on the afternoon of May 22nd 2024 when the Prime Minister asked him to dissolve parliament so that an election can take place. His Majesty gave his assent.
The election takes place on July 4th 2024. It means that the UK soon enters the campaign period for the election. Political impartiality in all areas of public life, such as the media, must be maintained for the entire duration.
As a result, Buckingham Palace issued a statement. It said ”“Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon calling a General Election, The Royal Family will – in accordance with normal procedure – postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign.”
“Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”
The King has already cancelled engagements planned to take place in Crewe.
The Prince of Wales is also understood to have cancelled unannounced visits.
Questions have already been raised over whether the State Visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan, set for the end of June, can take place. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary would normally play high profile roles in such events.
It is understood that The King, The Queen and the Prince of Wales will still take part in commemorations for D-Day on June 5th and 6th 2024, as planned.
