Key Moments as New Prime Minister Meets King and Begins Downing Street Address

On the 12th of September 2023, the process of appointing the Prime Minister will take place at Buckingham Palace. This significant event will mark the appointment of the new leader who will be responsible for leading the government.

Prior to addressing the nation from Downing Street, the new Prime Minister will have to undertake a momentous journey to Buckingham Palace. The convoy, tracked by helicopters from various television news stations, will weave through the streets of London before arriving at the grand wrought-iron gates of the palace.

Appointment Ceremony

As the head of state, the King will carry out the duty of formally appointing the Prime Minister. This will be a historic occasion as it will be the first time the King, who is 75 years old, will partake in this constitutional duty following a general election.

Meeting Details

Buckingham Palace courtiers have reserved two slots in the King’s diary for this occasion. The first slot is scheduled for 11 am, followed by the second at midday. It is expected that Sir Keir Starmer will be elected, and if this occurs, Rishi Sunak will be the first to be invited to the palace for a "departure audience" where he will submit his resignation formally.

During these appointments, there will be no interaction between the outgoing and incoming Prime Ministers, and the meetings will be conducted with precision. The incoming Prime Minister will be accompanied by their spouse, but not their children. This private audience, which will last approximately half an hour, will be officially recorded in the Court Circular as the "kissing of hands", although it is likely to involve a handshake.

Historical Reflections

Many former Prime Ministers have recounted their memorable encounters during this appointment process. From Sir Tony Blair’s amusing tale of tripping on a rug upon meeting the Queen to Gordon Brown's description of a congenial business-like conversation, these encounters have left a lasting impression on the premiers.

Unique Circumstances

As a rare and unique occurrence, the decision to hold these appointments at Balmoral was deemed necessary due to the late Queen’s deteriorating health. Following the election of Liz Truss as the Conservative party leader, the Queen invited her to form a government at Balmoral, just two days before her passing.

New Prime Minister’s Inaugural Address

After the meeting with the King, the newly appointed Prime Minister will take a few moments to compose his thoughts and review his speech. Subsequently, he will depart from the palace via the Ministers’ Staircase before being driven to Downing Street, where he will deliver his first address to the nation.