King Charles broke a royal tradition during his meeting with the new UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. Since his ascension to the throne, the British monarch has witnessed the UK government change four times. Sir Keir Starmer formally stepped down from his position as Prime Minister on July 20. Rt. Hon. Andy Burnham was declared the new PM soon after.
King Charles took a break from a historic royal tradition while meeting new UK PM Andy Burnham
According to Royal Central, historically, the appointment of a new PM in the UK is called the “kissing of hands.” This centuries-old tradition involves senior ministers and officeholders physically kissing the monarch’s hand to show their loyalty and fidelity to the Crown. However, the ceremony has become a simple handshake in the twentieth century.
While meeting with the new UK PM, Andy Burnham, King Charles ditched the traditional “kissing of hands.” Instead, they shook hands, with the monarch authorising him to form a government. Per The Royal Observer, this is an important step in the UK’s constitution after a PM resigns. The monarch thenextends an official invitation to the politician capable of securing the confidence of the House of Commons to establish a government.
After accepting the invitation, the politician becomes the official PM. The new PM has a short private meeting with the monarch, following which a photo of the duo is released. The PM then goes to 10 Downing Street to form their government. Although the British royal family has maintained a neutral political stance, the tradition of the “kissing of hands” remains an important ceremony in the appointment of a new PM.
Following a 35-minute meeting between King Charles III and Rt. Hon. Andrew Burnham, Buckingham Palace issued an official statement (via PEOPLE). The statement said, “His Majesty received in audience the Rt. Hon. Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration. The Rt. Hon. Andrew Burnham MP accepted The King’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.”
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