Buckingham Palace was a fulcrum of political, military and diplomatic activity on Friday morning as the King conducted a series of formal audiences.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was received by His Majesty in the Palace’s private audience room. The meeting, a regular fixture for senior Cabinet ministers, comes as anticipation builds around the Chancellor’s forthcoming Budget.
As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ms Reeves is the UK government’s chief finance minister, responsible for overseeing the nation’s economy, taxation and public spending.
With pressure mounting to steady public finances while honouring the Government’s promise not to raise the main rates of income tax, National Insurance or VAT, Ms Reeves is expected to chart a careful course between fiscal restraint and targeted investment. The Treasury is understood to be weighing a modest package of measures designed to reassure markets and signal economic stability after a turbulent year.
Also on Friday, the King held an audience with General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. Sir Gwyn, who assumed the Royal Navy’s most senior post last year, is understood to have briefed His Majesty on current naval operations, including the Service’s commitments overseas and the continuing modernisation of the fleet.
Diplomatic matters were also on the agenda. Mr Hamish Cooper was formally received by the King upon his appointment as High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. The ceremony – an important moment in the beginning of any diplomatic posting – marks the official start of Mr Cooper’s tenure as Wellington’s senior representative in the United Kingdom. His partner, Misako Kitaoka, was also received in audience.
As is customary, the Palace did not disclose the nature of their discussions, though such meetings typically reflect the King’s role in fostering international goodwill and maintaining the United Kingdom’s relationships with its global partners.
The King is expected to continue a full programme of engagements in the coming days as the Royal Household moves towards the busy winter schedule.
