The King has received Sir Keir Starmer and asked him to form a government.
King Charles held an audience with Sir Keir just after noon on July 5th 2024, hours after Labour won a huge landslide in the general election.
As leader of the biggest party in parliament, Sir Keir was invited to Buckingham Palace where His Majesty asked him if he would form an administration. After agreeing, Sir Keir was appointed PM.
The ancient tradition of kissing hands seals the beginning of the new administration. It is now a symbolic gesture. For many years, the new PM actually kissed the Monarch’s hand to show loyalty to the Crown. However, now, the Prime Minister bows or curtsies to show their allegiance.
A photograph of the Monarch and their Prime Minister was shared to mark the moment.
Buckingham Palace released a statement, saying ”The King received in Audience The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new Administration. Sir Keir accepted His Majesty’s offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.”
Sir Keir then headed to Downing Street to begin his work as Prime Minister.
On July 17th 2024, The King will read the new government’s plans in his speech from the throne at the State Opening of Parliament.
