King Charles facing awkward situation ahead of upcoming State Visit
King Charles has made a slow return to royal duties
Reuters
King Charles is facing an awkward situation ahead of an upcoming State Visit, it has been claimed.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a snap General Election on July 4, meaning the Royal Family has postponed upcoming engagements for the month.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said last week: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon calling a General Election, The Royal Family will – in accordance with normal procedure – postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign.”
“Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”
King Charles will receive the Japanese Emperor next month
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Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan, and his wife Empress Masako are due to visit the UK next month on a State Visit.
This will involve a State Banquet, attended by the King, Queen Camilla, and other senior members of the Royal Family.
The Prime Minister and the Home and Foreign Secretaries, under normal circumstances, would have high-profile roles in the event.
However, Sunak's presence, along with James Cleverly and David Cameron, at a royal event, could be deemed inappropriate so close to an election.
Emperor Naruhito at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
PA
Naruhito's schedule would also normally include speaking to MPs and peers at Westminster.
However, this will not be possible given that Parliament is about to be dissolved.
While details are being amended, officials are thought to be considering alternative dates for the State Visit, according to reports in The Mail.
King Charles is unlikely to want to postpone the visit, given that it has already been delayed due to the pandemic.
Queen Camilla and King Charles during a State Banquet in 2023
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However, GB News Royal correspondent Cameron Walker said on social media: "I understand D-Day memorial engagements will go ahead, but others will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis."
Walker also confirmed all of the King’s public engagements would be postponed for the foreseeable future.
It is "normal procedure" for the Royal Family to cancel engagements when a General Election is held to keep attention directed at the election campaign.