The King has welcomed his third prime minister in his 22-month reign as Labour won a landslide victory in the UK general election.
Charles, 75, greeted Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he was invited by the King to form a government and become prime minister.
Following the meeting, the Court Circular will record that “the Prime Minister kissed hands on appointment”. This is not literally the case, and it is usually a handshake.
Mr Starmer then addressed the nation for the first time as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street, joined by his wife, Victoria.
Before Charles greeted the new premier, he held a meeting with the outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak.
Mr Sunak became prime minister on 25 October 2022 when Liz Truss resigned after just 49 days in office.
King Charles does not vote and is a constitutional monarch who must remain politically neutral.
MORE: King Charles prepares for new relationship
The State Opening of Parliament and the King's Speech under the new Labour government is expected to take place on Wednesday 17 July.
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© GettyOutgoing prime minister gives final speech
Rishi Sunak appeared outside 10 Downing Street to give his final speech as prime minister before making his way to Buckingham Palace.
Speaking about his defeat, he said: "I have given this job my all but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change and yours is the only judgment that matters. I have heard your anger, your disappointment. And I take responsibility for this loss."
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© GettyThe Sunaks leave Downing Street
Rishi revealed his plans to resign as leader of the Conservative party, saying: "Following this result, I will step down as party leader, not immediately, but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place.
"It is important that after 14 years in government, the Conservative party rebuilds, but also that it takes up its crucial role in opposition professionally and effectively."
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© GettyRishi Sunak arrives at Buckingham Palace
Rishi was accompanied by his wife, Akshata Murty, as the couple were greeted at the palace by Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to The King and Queen.
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© GettyThe Starmers arrive at Buckingham Palace
Keir Starmer was accompanied by his wife, Victoria, for his audience at the palace with the King.
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© AlamyMeeting the King
The official moment that Keir was invited to become prime minister by the King. The pair shook hands as the monarch requested that he form a new administration.
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© YUI MOK58th prime minister
The audience took place privately, with only photographs released from the meeting.
Keir has become the third prime minister of the King's reign, after Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
The former lawyer has become the country's 58th prime minister.
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© GettyWhen was Sir Keir knighted?
Keir was knighted by then Prince Charles in 2014 for his services to criminal justice.
He revealed that his parents, Rodney and Josephine, brought their Great Dane along to the investiture ceremony, convincing a royal guard to look after their dog while they saw their son being knighted.
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© GettyKeir's family life
Keir and his wife, Victoria, who works for the NHS, share a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, neither of whom have ever been named or pictured publicly before.
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© GettyLeaving the palace as PM
Keir pictured for the first time as prime minister as he and Victoria left Buckingham Palace to be driven to 10 Downing Street
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© GettyFirst speech as prime minister
The new PM vowed to deliver change in his first speech to the nation, saying: "You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change. To restore service and respect to politics. End the era of noisy performance. Tread more lightly on your lives. And unite our country.
"Four nations standing together again. Facing down, as we have so often in our past, the challenges of an insecure world. Committed to a calm and patient rebuilding. So with respect, and humility I invite you all to join this government of service, in the mission of national renewal.
"Our work is urgent and we begin it today. Thank you very much."
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© GettyMoving in
Keir and Victoria waved as they posed for photographs outside the famous black door at 10 Downing Street.
