The Queen has appointed a new UK Prime Minister and, for the first time in her historic reign, the event took place outside London. Liz Truss was asked to form a government during an audience with Her Majesty at Balmoral. And the meeting took place in a room at the heart of this historic royal residence.
The Queen appointed the fifteenth premier of her 70 year reign in the Drawing Room at Balmoral. The Scottish castle was built in the early 1850s, on the orders of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. And the second longest reigning monarch in British history made a cameo appearance in this latest appearance from the longest ruling of all time.
A portrait of Victoria was clearly visible behind The Queen and her new Prime Minister. It shows Victoria with her favourite servant, John Brown. Their long standing friendship was a mainstay of Victoria’s life although it caused some rumours during the queen’s long life.
Victoria’s presence is also felt in the candlesticks on the mantelpiece in the room. They are believed to be 19th century works, first used by Victoria herself.
Perhaps given the focus on what the new Prime Minister will do about soaring energy prices in the UK, there is also a noticeable pile of wood next to the hearth and a blazing fire on the go. The fireplace itself is decorated with thistles, the emblem of Scotland.
The Queen asked Liz Truss to form a government around 12.30pm on September 6th, just after accepting the official resignation of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister. Ms Truss was elected as leader of the Conservative Party on September 5th and, as the head of the largest grouping in the House of Commons, is the first in line to be asked to form a government once the previous premier leaves office.
For around half an hour, the UK had no Prime Minister with executive power resting with The Queen.
