King Charles’s kind words to Keir Starmer during first private audience meeting with new prime minister

The King told Sir Keir Starmer he “must be exhausted” and “nearly on your knees” during a private audience with the new prime minister on Friday (5 July).

Sir Keir and his wife Lady Victoria Starmer were welcomed at Buckingham Palace for a private audience with the monarch following Labour’s historic victory in the general election.

They were greeted at the King’s Door by Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the King and Queen, and Commander William Thornton, Royal Navy, equerry to the King.

Sir Keir later had a private audience with the King who invited him to form a new administration.

In a video shared by Buckingham Palace, Sir Keir can be seen entering the private audience room where he shakes hands with Charles.