It was a historic day in more ways than one for King Charles III — in addition to losing his first Prime Minister, he received ambassadorial credentials for the first time since his reign began.
King Charles was at Buckingham Palace to receive the credentials of the new ambassadors of Ukraine and Pakistan before news broke of Prime Minister Liz Truss’s sudden resignation 45 days into her term.
King Charles first received His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, the new Ambassador of Ukraine, who presented the letters of recall of his predecessor and presented his own letters of credence; then the king received His Excellency Moazzam Ahmad Khan, the new High Commissioner of Pakistan, who also presented the letters of recall and his own letters of commission in his new role.
These meetings took place in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace.
All ambassadors of the United Kingdom are appointed as Ambassadors of the Court of St James’s instead of to a governmental department as their service is to The Crown, while all ambassadors to the United Kingdom are received through the Court of St James’s.
Receiving ambassadors is a regular duty for the monarch, as there are upwards of 170 ambassadors and High Commissioners working in the United Kingdom at any given moment. Each receive an audience upon their appointment.
In December, the Royal Family traditionally hosts a reception for the entire diplomatic corps based in the United Kingdom, though these have been paused since the coronavirus pandemic began.
In addition to his first ambassadorial meeting, King Charles was busy meeting with the President of Togo and held a Council of State meeting.
During this historic day, October 20th 2022, he also had to find time to speak with Prime Minister Liz Truss, who announced her resignation 44 days into her term after her party and cabinet lost confidence in her premiership.
A leadership race to replace her is now under way and will conclude on October 28th 2022, at the very latest.
It means that King Charles III will appoint a Prime Minister for the first time within 50 days of ascending the throne.
