The Prince of Wales has made a last-minute decision to cancel a trip that was planned for May 23, 2024.
This decision follows updated guidance from Buckingham Palace. In a statement to HELLO!, Kensington Palace expressed: "We look forward to rescheduling in the future and are extremely sorry to anyone who has already travelled." The cancellation coincides with King Charles and Queen Camilla announcing changes to their schedules due to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealing that a general election will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the royal couple confirmed that all royal engagements "which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign" have been canceled or postponed. Buckingham Palace conveyed the King and Queen's "sincere apologies" to those affected.
The announcement followed a meeting between King Charles and Prime Minister Sunak on Wednesday, during which they agreed to dissolve Parliament. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson 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."
The results of the July 4 election will determine whether Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party remains in power. If the Conservatives are voted out, King Charles will appoint his third Prime Minister in a short span. He welcomed Mr. Sunak as his second Prime Minister just six weeks after ascending the throne, following the resignation of Liz Truss.
Despite the schedule changes, the royal couple's appearances in Portsmouth and Normandy in June to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day will proceed as planned. They are due to join the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion's commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer. Meanwhile, Prince William is set to mark the significant anniversary alongside the Canadian government at the Juno Beach Centre. He will be accompanied by Canadian armed forces personnel and World War II veterans. Additionally, the Prince of Wales is expected to attend the international commemorative ceremony at Omaha Beach, where he will be joined by veterans and 25 world heads of state.
