King Charles III has named the third prime minister of his reign following a decisive victory by Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in Britain’s recent general election on July 4.
The monarch summoned Starmer to Buckingham Palace at noon London time (7 a.m. ET) on Friday to invite him formally to establish a government in the monarch’s name, akin to a swearing-in ceremony.
Known historically as “kissing hands,” this ceremony dates back to an era when prime ministers would physically kiss the monarch’s hands upon their appointment, though this tradition has evolved over time.
The initial private meeting between the king and prime minister inaugurates a series of weekly audiences held between the head of state and government leader. Under Britain’s constitutional monarchy, the sovereign’s role is symbolic, with political power vested in the government. Charles’ responsibilities include appointing the prime minister and other ministers, endorsing legislation, and convening parliamentary sessions based on government advice.
The monarch retains the right to be consulted, to encourage, and to warn on political matters. On Friday, Charles and Starmer were photographed shaking hands in Buckingham Palace’s formal audience room, marking the start of Starmer’s premiership and concluding 14 years of Conservative Party rule.
Earlier in the day, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak bid farewell to the king, having led the country since October 2022 after Liz Truss’s resignation. Truss, appointed two days before Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, was the final prime minister during her 69-year reign.
The Conservatives suffered their worst electoral defeat in history, losing over 200 seats in the House of Commons, leaving them with fewer than 130 seats. Starmer’s Labour Party now commands a majority with more than 400 seats.
Starmer is slated to make his international debut at the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., on July 9, where he will meet President Joe Biden, underscoring the “special relationship” between the U.K. and U.S.
Upon his return, the new prime minister will outline his government’s key policies for the term ahead, which will be delivered by Charles at the State Opening of Parliament on July 17, coinciding with Queen Camilla’s 77th birthday.