King Charles will welcome a fourth prime minister in less than four years, following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.
But what was the monarch’s relationship with Sir Keir like?
The pair are said to have a warm rapport and shared views on social issues.
As prime minister, Sir Keir has met the King most Wednesdays for a weekly audience to discuss Government matters. It’s likely that world issues including ongoing war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East, as well as US President Donald Trump, were on the agenda in recent months.
Keir, who was knighted by then Prince Charles in 2014 for his services to criminal justice, was appointed prime minister in July 2024. At the time, the monarch said Keir must be “utterly exhausted and nearly on your knees” and that “grips with everything straight away” must be taxing.
The King was praised for his recent state visit to America, and is seen to have bolstered the UK-US special relationship after charming Trump and delivering a powerful speech to Congress.
When asked if it was awkward for Trump to have a warmer relationship with the King than the prime minister, a senior palace aide said: “It’s not a competition between the King and the Government.
“The King is there to support the Government, to help the Government. It was at the Government’s request, of course, that he undertook this visit.”
Sir Keir has previously praised the King for his environmental campaigning.
Sir Keir has praised the King for his eco and social credentials, despite previously being in favour of the abolition of the monarchy.
“King Charles III has been a devoted servant of this country his entire life, he has been a powerful voice for fairness, and understood the importance of the environment long before many others,” Keir said in 2021.
Meanwhile, Historian Ed Owens told the New York Times: “There’s a meeting of minds in terms of the social issues at stake.”
Keir has been present at various significant royal events, including Elizabeth II’s funeral and the King’s accession council and his coronation.
He joined the royal family in the royal box to watch the Platinum Jubilee Pageant celebrations in 2022.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKing Charles and Keir Starmer are said to have a warm relationship