King Charles is set to invite Andy Burnham to form a Government on Monday, marking the third occasion the monarch has performed this constitutional duty since ascending to the throne.
Mr Burnham will become the fourth Prime Minister to serve under Charles, a remarkable pace of leadership change in a nation where Governments typically hold power for up to five years.
Should this pattern continue, the King could surpass Queen Elizabeth II’s record of 15 Prime Ministers by 2037.
The appointment comes against a backdrop of considerable political turbulence during what remains a relatively young reign.
King Charles is set to invite Andy Burnham to form a Government on Monday, marking the third occasion the monarch has performed this constitutional duty since ascending to the throne
|
GETTY
Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Charles has maintained a remarkably full programme of public engagements over the past four years while navigating international crises and family challenges.
The monarch’s summer break in Scotland will commence only after next Thursday’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Monday’s appointment will precede a planned away day, with the King’s working schedule continuing after the constitutional formalities are complete.
Palace staff are understood to struggle to convince Charles to reduce his workload, a task Queen Camilla also finds difficult.
King Charles and Andy Burnham pictured together in 2009
|
GETTY
For the tireless monarch, the demands of the Crown cannot wait, regardless of his personal circumstances.
Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Buckingham Palace on Monday for a final audience with the King, during which he will formally tender his resignation as Labour leader.
Mr Burnham will arrive shortly afterwards to receive the invitation to form a new Government.
The ceremony will take place at what has been described as “Monarchy HQ”, where the King’s Principal Private Secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, will greet the incoming leader in the courtyard before escorting him to an antechamber for a briefing.
Andy Burnham, the newly announced leader of the Labour Party, makes his first speech to party members
|
GETTY
The traditional “kissing of hands” has been modernised, now consisting of a bow or curtsy followed by a handshake, which is photographed and filmed for posterity.
The entire process will last approximately 20 minutes, yet it initiates a relationship that could define the next chapter of the King’s reign.
While Charles and the new Prime Minister speak privately, Sir Clive Alderton, the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister’s Principal Private Secretary, will hold their own discussions to maintain seamless communication between Crown and Government.
The monarch must also provide informal approval for ministerial appointments ahead of Tuesday’s Privy Council swearing-in ceremony.
In an era of rapid political transformation, Monday’s carefully choreographed audience serves as a powerful reminder that while Governments may shift overnight, the Crown provides enduring stability.