For the first time in her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II will appoint the next UK Prime Minister at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, breaking with the tradition of conducting the ceremony at Buckingham Palace. This unprecedented move comes as the Queen, who recently celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, prioritizes her comfort and well-being.
The announcement, made by a Buckingham Palace spokesperson, confirmed that the new Conservative Party leader, to be determined on Monday, will officially become Prime Minister on the following day. Traditionally, outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson would have tendered his resignation to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, followed by the formal invitation for his successor to form a government.
However, to avoid the arduous 1,000-mile round trip to London and back, the Queen will remain at her Scottish estate, Balmoral, where she is currently on her annual summer holiday. This decision reflects the adjustments being made to accommodate the Queen’s age and ensure her participation in crucial constitutional duties.
While no specific health concerns have been reported, the Palace’s decision underscores the evolving role of the monarchy and the Queen’s commitment to her responsibilities within the context of her advancing years.
