King Charles appoints Keir Starmer as prime minister after general election - all the photos

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."

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."

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. 

Keir Starmer was accompanied by his wife, Victoria, for his audience at the palace with 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Keir pictured for the first time as prime minister as he and Victoria left Buckingham Palace to be driven to 10 Downing Street

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."

Keir and Victoria waved as they posed for photographs outside the famous black door at 10 Downing Street.