The Royal Family have announced that engagements are postponed and apologised to all those affected.
A spokesperson for the palace said that engagements will be postponed following the Prime Minister’s statement calling for a general election.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said: “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.”
A statement from the palace said that engagements would be postponed which may “distract from the election campaign”
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The statement said engagements that “may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign” will be cancelled.
However, GB News Royal correspondent Cameron Walker said on X: “I understand D-Day memorial engagements will go ahead, but others will be reviewed on case by case basis.”
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.
On Wednesday afternoon, Rishi Sunak announced a 4 July general election while delivering a statement outside Downing Street.
Rishi Sunak announced the next UK general election is to be held on July 4
PA
Earlier today, the Prime Minister asked the King to proclaim the Dissolution of Parliament and the monarch complied with the request.
In a statement, Downing Street said: “The Prime Minister has today asked His Majesty The King to proclaim the Dissolution of Parliament. His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify that he will comply with this request.
“Parliament will be prorogued on Friday 24 May. Dissolution will take place on Thursday 30 May. The General Election will take place on Thursday 4 July.
“The new Parliament will be summoned to meet on Tuesday 9 July, when the first business will be the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of members, and the State Opening will be on Wednesday 17 July.”