It is one of the shortest yet most significant ceremonies in British public life. Lasting only a matter of minutes, the audience between the Monarch and an incoming Prime Minister marks the peaceful transfer of political power at the very heart of the constitution.
Although the cameras capture the arrivals and departures at Buckingham Palace, what happens behind the Palace’s famous gates remains a private affair.
The process begins only after the outgoing Prime Minister has formally resigned. Sir Keir Starmer will first travel to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to King Charles III during a private audience.
Once Sir Keir has departed, Palace officials prepare for the arrival of Andy Burnham, who will become the next Prime Minister.
Mr Burnham is escorted into Buckingham Palace and shown to the Audience Room, where The King is waiting. There are no officials present during the meeting, ensuring the conversation remains entirely confidential.
The Monarch then invites the incoming Labour leader to form a government.
The traditional wording is understood to be along the lines of: “Will you form a government?” Once the invitation is accepted, Mr Burnham immediately becomes Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.
For centuries, the appointment was known as the “kissing of hands”. Historically, new Prime Ministers would kiss the Sovereign’s hand as a sign of loyalty. Today, however, the ceremony has been modernised, with a simple handshake replacing the centuries-old custom, although the historic name remains.
A Palace photographer is then invited into the room to capture the official image of the Sovereign greeting the new Prime Minister. The photograph is usually released within minutes and becomes part of the historical record of the reign.
The audience itself is brief, typically lasting between 20 and 30 minutes, although it can occasionally be longer depending on the circumstances.
Before leaving Buckingham Palace, the new Prime Minister will also receive important constitutional and security briefings from senior officials, including matters relating to national security and the operation of government.
Mr Burnham will then leave Buckingham Palace for the short drive to 10 Downing Street, where he will deliver his first speech as Prime Minister before crossing the famous black door to begin appointing his Cabinet.
The entire process is carefully choreographed and has been refined over generations. While governments may change, the Monarch’s role remains unchanged: to ensure the smooth and peaceful transfer of power by appointing the person best placed to command the confidence of the House of Commons.
