The King welcomes Andy Burnham, during an audience at Buckingham PalaceThe King appointed Andy Burnham as the fourth prime minister of his reign with convention ensuring a smooth handover of power. Charles, in his role as head of state, accepted the resignation of outgoing premier Sir Keir Starmer and requested Mr Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, form a new Government. The event was a family occasion with Mr Starmer joined by his wife and children for his final meeting with the King, while the new Prime Minister took the unusual step of bringing his spouse. “The Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP accepted the King’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. The country’s new Prime Minister was cheered by tourists as he left his audience with the King hand in hand with his wife.