POLL: Were Royal Family right to cancel engagements after General Election announced?
Following the announcement of a General Election on July 4 the Firm have cancelled several engagements in their diaries. But do you think this is the right decision?
The Royal Family is postponing and cancelling several engagements which may “divert attention” away from the General Election campaign.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with King Charles earlier this week to request the dissolution of Parliament and confirmed Britons would head to the polls on July 4.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon [May 22] 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.”
They added: “Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”
The King and Queen Camilla’s upcoming appearances in Portsmouth and Normandy for the D-Day 80th anniversary in June are still expected to go ahead.
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Ceremonial occasions including Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter, Holyrood Week and Royal Ascot will have special permission to continue as planned.
Many other engagements due to be carried out by senior members of the Firm will be disrupted.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King has cancelled his public engagements for the rest of this week.
His visits in Crewe on Friday and another that had not yet been announced will be rearranged when possible.
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Royal events that could still go ahead over the next six weeks
Thursday 6th June: Founders Day Parade to Royal Hospital Chelsea
Saturday 15th June: Trooping the Colour (Monarch's official birthday)
Monday 17th June: Order of the Garter
Tuesday 18th June - Saturday 22nd June: Royal Ascot
Late June: Japan State Visit to UK
Prince William also cancelled two unannounced events that were set to take place on Thursday, which will also be rescheduled.
Engagements in the royal diary will be decided on a case-by-case basis and a decision on next month’s Japanese State Visit to the UK will be made by the Foreign Office soon.
So what do YOU think? Were the Royal Family right to cancel engagements after the General Election was announced? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.