King Charles has revived a long-dormant political tradition by holding a formal one-to-one audience with Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch at Buckingham Palace.
The meeting marks the first such audience between a monarch and opposition leader in 18 years.
The last opposition leader to receive this honour was David Cameron, who met with Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.
Mrs Badenoch was welcomed by the King in the palace's grand 1844 Room this morning for the private audience.
King Charles has revived a long-dormant political tradition by holding a formal one-to-one audience with Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch at Buckingham Palace.
PA
A royal source explained the revival of this tradition, stating: "It was a convention that fell by the way in latter years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's reign and seemed a courtesy to revive in the new reign."
The King and Mrs Badenoch have previously met on several occasions, including at a post-election reception for MPs last week.
They also encountered each other in June 2023 at a King's Award for Enterprise reception, when Mrs Badenoch served as trade secretary.
The reason for the tradition's lapse during Labour's years in opposition remains unclear.
The King and Mrs Badenoch have previously met on several occasions, including at a post-election reception for MPs last week.
PA
The King maintains a regular schedule of political audiences, including weekly meetings with Sir Keir Starmer following Prime Minister's Questions.
These face-to-face discussions with the Prime Minister focus on Government matters.
While the monarch must maintain political neutrality, he retains the right to advise and warn ministers, including the prime minister, when necessary.
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The King maintains a regular schedule of political audiences, including weekly meetings with Sir Keir Starmer following Prime Minister's Questions.
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Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with Charles shortly after Queen Elizabeth II's death was of a different nature, taking place as a joint audience with other opposition leaders.
Last month, reports emerged that the environmentally conscious monarch praised Net Zero minister Ed Miliband's efforts to make the UK greener.
The King reportedly commended Mr Miliband's work to another senior Labour figure, according to The Times.
The King's environmental commitment was further demonstrated last November when he hosted an international sustainability reception at Buckingham Palace, attended by Mr Miliband among other ministers and business leaders.
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