LONDON (AP) — In a primary, Queen Elizabeth II will stay in Scotland, the place she is taking her summer season break, to obtain Britain’s outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his successor subsequent week, royal officers mentioned Wednesday.
The 96-year-old monarch historically holds audiences with outgoing and incoming prime ministers at Buckingham Palace, her official London residence. This would be the first time in her 70-year reign the monarch appoints a brand new prime minister away from Buckingham Palace.
Officers mentioned Johnson will journey to Balmoral Fortress, the queen’s summer season vacation residence within the Scottish Highlands, to formally tender his resignation on Tuesday.
His alternative — both Overseas Secretary Liz Truss or former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, the 2 finalists within the Conservative Social gathering management race — may even make the journey on the identical day and be requested by the queen to kind a brand new authorities.
The queen, who celebrated her Platinum Jubilee this 12 months, has been having mobility issues and has cancelled some engagements in latest months. She now commonly makes use of a strolling stick.
Palace officers didn’t clarify the brand new association, however British media reported that the choice to have her stay in Scotland was made to offer certainty for the political handover.
Requested concerning the announcement, Johnson informed reporters Wednesday: “I don’t discuss my conversations with the queen, no prime minister ever does. However I can inform you that we'll definitely ensure that the preparations for the handover will match completely round her and no matter she desires.”
The queen has been served by 14 prime ministers throughout her reign, from Winston Churchill within the Nineteen Fifties to Johnson. Formally appointing the premier is a part of her duties as head of state.
The monarch moved to Windsor Fortress, west of London, in the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and now spends most of her time there.
Johnson introduced his resignation in early July after mounting ethics scandals toppled his authorities. He has remained in place as caretaker prime minister till his Conservative Social gathering broadcasts his successor on Monday.
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