Royal Family cancel string of engagements as Buckingham Palace issue unexpected statement

Buckingham Palace has announced that the Royal Family will postpone engagements that could potentially distract from the election campaign.

This follows Rishi Sunak's announcement this afternoon that Brits will head to the polls to decide the country's next government on July 4, putting an end to months of uncertainty. The Prime Minister met with the monarch at Buckingham Palace to request the dissolution of Parliament, kick-starting the election process.

As a result of this announcement, royal engagements are set to be postponed, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. A spokesperson stated: "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."

This afternoon, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with the King at Buckingham Palace, shortly after the King hosted young winners of the Prince's Trust Awards. The pair met for approximately 15 minutes in the King's usual private audience room as part of the Prime Minister's scheduled weekly audience.

Earlier today, Rishi expressed optimism about the UK's financial outlook, saying: "Today marks a major moment for the economy, with inflation back to normal. Brighter days are ahead, but only if we stick to the plan to improve economic security and opportunity for everyone."

In his announcement of the election, the PM highlighted the importance of building on current achievements: "This hard earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning, the question now is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family, and our country?" reports the Mirror.

He urged the nation to consider its path forward: "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty."

Sunak also mentioned his recent conversation with royalty: "Earlier today I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament. The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4."