In a whirlwind of political shifts, King Charles has appointed Keir Starmer as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This marks the third prime ministerial appointment in less than two years of his reign. As the nation navigates these turbulent times, the royal tradition continues with an added layer of contemporary challenges.

King Charles and the Rapid Turnover of Prime Ministers
King Charles, who ascended to the throne in September 2022, has now appointed his third prime minister. The latest appointment follows the July 4 election, where Labour Party leader Keir Starmer achieved a landslide victory over Rishi Sunak. This rapid turnover contrasts sharply with the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who saw 15 prime ministers over her 70-year tenure, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss.

The Appointment Ceremony: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The appointment process adhered to the traditional royal protocol. The outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, arrived at Buckingham Palace around 10:30 a.m. local time to tender his resignation. Shortly after, Keir Starmer, accompanied by his wife Lady Victoria Starmer, arrived for his private audience with King Charles.

The official Court Circular will record that Starmer “kissed the King’s hands” upon his appointment. This ceremonial phrase signifies the monarch’s role as Head of State and dates back centuries, though it is symbolic rather than literal.

“The monarch appoints a prime minister under the Royal Prerogative which forms part of common law,” the U.K. Parliament website explains. “The monarch does so by asking the new prime minister to form an administration, to which they usually respond, ‘Yes.'”

A Historical Context: From Queen Elizabeth to King Charles
Queen Elizabeth’s final act as monarch was appointing Liz Truss as Prime Minister on September 6, 2022, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, due to her mobility issues. This appointment deviated from tradition, which typically takes place at Buckingham Palace. Truss’s tenure was notably brief, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in U.K. history with only 45 days in office.

Following Truss’s resignation, Rishi Sunak was selected by the Conservative Party and was appointed by King Charles on October 25, 2022. Sunak’s brief tenure ended with the recent election, paving the way for Starmer’s leadership.

Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and Political Neutrality
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth appointed 15 prime ministers, from the iconic Winston Churchill to the short-lived Liz Truss. Her extensive tenure saw numerous political shifts, yet she remained a steadfast symbol of continuity and stability.

“Though the King remains politically neutral on all matters, he is able to ‘advise and warn’ his ministers — including his prime minister — when necessary,” according to the royal family’s website.

This neutrality is crucial, especially in modern times where the monarchy must navigate the delicate balance between tradition and contemporary governance.

Keir Starmer’s New Role: Challenges and Expectations
Keir Starmer’s appointment as Prime Minister comes at a critical juncture for the U.K. His landslide victory indicates strong public support, yet the challenges ahead are formidable. From economic instability to political divisions, Starmer’s leadership will be tested.

His private audience with King Charles marks the beginning of this new chapter. The weekly private meetings between the monarch and the prime minister will be a significant aspect of Starmer’s role, providing a platform for confidential discussions on government matters.

A Glimpse into the Future
As Keir Starmer steps into his new role, the political landscape of the U.K. is poised for significant changes. The rapid succession of prime ministers under King Charles highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of modern governance.

With Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party aims to address pressing issues and implement their vision for the country. His success will not only shape the immediate future of the U.K. but also reflect on the broader role of the monarchy in contemporary politics.

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Source: https://people.com/king-charles-appoints-keir-starmer-new-uk-prime-minister-third-of-reign-8671333