Royal Family cancel string of engagements as Buckingham Palace issue unexpected statement

ok.co.uk:

Buckingham Palace has announced that the Royal Family will postpone engagements that could potentially distract from the election campaign.

This follows Rishi Sunak's announcement this afternoon that Brits will head to the polls to decide the country's next government on July 4, putting an end to months of uncertainty.The Prime Minister met with the monarch at Buckingham Palace to request the dissolution of Parliament, kick-starting the election process.

As a result of this announcement, royal engagements are set to be postponed, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. A spokesperson stated: "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." This afternoon, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with the King at Buckingham Palace, shortly after the King hosted young winners of the Prince's Trust Awards.The pair met for approximately 15 minutes in the King's usual private audience room as part of the Prime Minister's scheduled weekly audience.

Earlier today, Rishi expressed optimism about the UK's financial outlook, saying: "Today marks a major moment for the economy, with inflation back to normal.