
The UK is about to get a new Prime Minister but before they get to work, they need to meet The Queen. Can Her Majesty reject the selected candidate? Technically, yes. Realistically, no. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and The Queen’s role is mainly ceremonial. She will approve what her government decides.
Current British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, resigned in July after losing the support of his party and Cabinet. But he added, he will stay in the role until a successor is chosen. Members of the Conservative Party will vote for a new leader, deciding between Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak for the role. The result will be announced on September 5th 2022.
A Monarch has not fired a Prime Minister since 1834. King William IV removed Lord Melbourne from the role and appointed Sir Robert Peel. However the appointment did not last long, Peel resigned a year later and Melbourne was back as Prime Minister.
Queen Elizabeth II will enter the picture for the “kissing hands” ceremony. This is the time when The Queen meets with the outgoing Prime Minister and officially accepts their resignation then welcomes the new Prime Minister for the symbolic kissing of hands.
It is rumoured that The Queen will stay in Balmoral instead of traveling to Buckingham Palace to meet the new Prime Minister. Though not unheard of it, it is rare that the new Prime Minister is not appointed at Buckingham Palace. However, due to The Queen’s mobility issues, it could be easier for the outgoing and incoming leaders to travel to Scotland. Her Majesty will also meet the new Privy Council.
Whoever is chosen, they will become the fifteenth Prime Minister of The Queen’s reign.