King’s Speech: Palace tells No. 10 to keep Charles out of Starmer’s crisis
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Buckingham Palace privately inquired whether King Charles III should proceed with the ceremonial state opening of parliament amid Labour leader Keir Starmer's mounting leadership crisis following poor local election results.
- The Palace emphasized the importance of protecting the monarch from political controversy, stating it does not want to be involved in the political dispute surrounding Starmer's leadership.
- Despite the political turmoil, officials confirmed it is constitutionally necessary for the king to open parliament as planned, as parliament must be formally convened to conduct business.
- The state opening ceremony, featuring the king's speech outlining the government's legislative agenda, could be an awkward moment given the uncertainty over whether Starmer's government will remain intact.
- The Palace reiterated that King Charles III will fulfill his constitutional duties but that resolving the political crisis is the responsibility of politicians, not the monarch.