What’s King Charles’ role?
It is the King’s duty as head of state to appoint a prime minister.
The role is one of the few remaining personal prerogatives of the sovereign – Charles does not act on advice nor need to consult anyone before doing so.
But the overriding requirement is to appoint someone who can command the confidence of the House of Commons – usually the leader of the party with an overall majority of seats in the Commons – to form a government.
The King will be guided by constitutional conventions and, if he chooses, can seek advice from any outgoing prime minister, other political leaders, senior privy counsellors, or whomever he pleases within the limits of prudence and caution.
