Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Britain September 6, 2022. Reuters
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Britain September 6, 2022. Reuters
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace, London, where she invited him to become UK prime minister and form a new government in July 2019. PA
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace, London, where she invited him to become UK prime minister and form a new government in July 2019. PA
Queen Elizabeth with Theresa May in 2016. PA
Queen Elizabeth with Theresa May in 2016. PA
The queen and David Cameron shake hands at Buckingham Palace when he became prime minister in 2010. PA
The queen and David Cameron shake hands at Buckingham Palace when he became prime minister in 2010. PA
The queen greets Gordon Brown at the palace in 2010. After five days of negotiations, a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government was confirmed, with Mr Brown resigning as PM. Getty Images
The queen greets Gordon Brown at the palace in 2010. After five days of negotiations, a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government was confirmed, with Mr Brown resigning as PM. Getty Images
Newly re-elected prime minister Tony Blair shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth in 2005. Getty Images
Newly re-elected prime minister Tony Blair shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth in 2005. Getty Images

World

UK

Queen Elizabeth to meet 15th prime minister at Balmoral

Departing PM and incoming leader will travel to Scotland for the ceremony

Simon Rushton
Simon Rushton

August 31, 2022

  • English
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Queen Elizabeth II will not travel to Buckingham Palace to appoint the UK’s incoming prime minister ― a break from tradition that is being blamed on her frail health.

Instead, the queen will appoint the new leader in Balmoral, Scotland, where she is staying.

Both departing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the incoming leader ― either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak ― will travel to Balmoral for the ceremony with the 96-year-old monarch.

The queen will receive Mr Johnson on Tuesday, at Balmoral, followed by an audience with the new prime minister, a Buckingham Palace representative said.

It is understood the decision was taken at this stage to provide certainty for the prime minister's diary.

If the queen were to experience difficulty in moving about next week and the plan had been to travel to London or Windsor, it would have led to alternative arrangements at the last minute.

The monarch traditionally holds audiences with departing and incoming leaders at Buckingham Palace.

The queen is on her traditional summer break in the Scottish Highlands.

A palace representative confirmed the decision on Wednesday.

The queen has missed a number of events in the past year, since she spent a night in hospital.

Prince Charles, Prince William and other senior royals have stood in for her at some official events.

As head of state, the monarch appoints the prime minster to lead Britain's government.

Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Britain September 6, 2022. Reuters
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Britain September 6, 2022. Reuters
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace, London, where she invited him to become UK prime minister and form a new government in July 2019. PA
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace, London, where she invited him to become UK prime minister and form a new government in July 2019. PA
Queen Elizabeth with Theresa May in 2016. PA
Queen Elizabeth with Theresa May in 2016. PA
The queen and David Cameron shake hands at Buckingham Palace when he became prime minister in 2010. PA
The queen and David Cameron shake hands at Buckingham Palace when he became prime minister in 2010. PA
The queen greets Gordon Brown at the palace in 2010. After five days of negotiations, a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government was confirmed, with Mr Brown resigning as PM. Getty Images
The queen greets Gordon Brown at the palace in 2010. After five days of negotiations, a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government was confirmed, with Mr Brown resigning as PM. Getty Images
Newly re-elected prime minister Tony Blair shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth in 2005. Getty Images
Newly re-elected prime minister Tony Blair shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth in 2005. Getty Images

The last time an incoming prime minister did not meet the monarch at Buckingham Palace was 1908, when Herbert Henry Asquith travelled to Edward VII in the French city of Biarritz for his appointment.

The queen has seen 14 prime ministers, from the Second World War statesman Sir Winston Churchill to Boris Johnson, and now she is preparing to welcome her 15th.

Political leaders have consistently paid tribute to the monarch for her sage advice and impressive knowledge of home and world affairs during her private weekly audiences with her PMs.

Churchill, her first prime minister, is thought to be her favourite. He greeted the young, grieving monarch back on British soil after her sudden return from Kenya after the death of her father, King George VI.

Mr Johnson revealed in a parliamentary tribute to the queen earlier this jubilee year that his regular meetings with the monarch were always "immensely comforting, because she has seen the sweep of it".

Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign - in pictures

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her platinum jubilee in 2022, the first British monarch to reign for 70 years. Here 'The National' looks back at each of the years the queen has been on the throne. All photos: Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her platinum jubilee in 2022, the first British monarch to reign for 70 years. Here 'The National' looks back at each of the years the queen has been on the throne. All photos: Getty Images
1952: A portrait of the queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
1952: A portrait of the queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
1953: The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after the queen's coronation, on June 2.
1953: The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after the queen's coronation, on June 2.
1954: The queen talking to an injured ex-serviceman during a visit to Repatriation General Hospital in Hobart, Australia.
1954: The queen talking to an injured ex-serviceman during a visit to Repatriation General Hospital in Hobart, Australia.
1955: Gen Francisco Craveiro Lopes, President of Portugal, leaves Westminster Pier for Buckingham Palace by coach, with the queen.
1955: Gen Francisco Craveiro Lopes, President of Portugal, leaves Westminster Pier for Buckingham Palace by coach, with the queen.
1956: The queen inspects the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, at Kaduna Airport, Nigeria, during her Commonwealth tour.
1956: The queen inspects the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, at Kaduna Airport, Nigeria, during her Commonwealth tour.
1957: The queen presents the trophy to American tennis player Althea Gibson after she won the women's singles tennis title at Wimbledon.
1957: The queen presents the trophy to American tennis player Althea Gibson after she won the women's singles tennis title at Wimbledon.
1958: The queen shares a joke while watching Prince Philip during a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Hampshire.
1958: The queen shares a joke while watching Prince Philip during a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Hampshire.
1959: US president Dwight D Eisenhower with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, the queen, Prince Charles and John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
1959: US president Dwight D Eisenhower with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, the queen, Prince Charles and John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
1960: The queen and Prince Charles walk through Liverpool Street Station in London with their dogs, having returned by train from Sandringham after the Christmas holidays.
1960: The queen and Prince Charles walk through Liverpool Street Station in London with their dogs, having returned by train from Sandringham after the Christmas holidays.
1961: The queen and Prince Philip leave Manchester by train.
1961: The queen and Prince Philip leave Manchester by train.
1962: The queen attends the races at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.
1962: The queen attends the races at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.
1963: The queen waves to residents from the rear of an open top car in the town of Russell, during a Commonwealth visit to New Zealand.
1963: The queen waves to residents from the rear of an open top car in the town of Russell, during a Commonwealth visit to New Zealand.
1964: The queen during the State Opening of Parliament ceremony in the chamber of the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster in London.
1964: The queen during the State Opening of Parliament ceremony in the chamber of the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster in London.
1965: At the Tissisal Falls, where the Blue Nile begins, with Emperor Haile Selassie during a royal visit to Ethiopia.
1965: At the Tissisal Falls, where the Blue Nile begins, with Emperor Haile Selassie during a royal visit to Ethiopia.
1966: The queen smiling after presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy, following England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London.
1966: The queen smiling after presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy, following England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London.
1967: The queen meets actor Rex Harrison and his wife Rachel Roberts at the premiere of the film 'Dr Dolittle' at the Odeon Marble Arch, London.
1967: The queen meets actor Rex Harrison and his wife Rachel Roberts at the premiere of the film 'Dr Dolittle' at the Odeon Marble Arch, London.
1968: The queen, Princess Margaret, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, riding at Ascot Racecourse.
1968: The queen, Princess Margaret, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, riding at Ascot Racecourse.
1969: The royal family at Windsor: Prince Edward, the queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.
1969: The royal family at Windsor: Prince Edward, the queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.
1970: US president Richard Nixon and British prime minister Edward Heath meet the queen for lunch at Chequers.
1970: US president Richard Nixon and British prime minister Edward Heath meet the queen for lunch at Chequers.
1971: Prince Charles takes part in a polo match in Windsor Great Park, accompanied by the queen and Prince Edward.
1971: Prince Charles takes part in a polo match in Windsor Great Park, accompanied by the queen and Prince Edward.
1972: The queen and Prince Philip with the president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, during a visit to Kenya.
1972: The queen and Prince Philip with the president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, during a visit to Kenya.
1973: Anne, the Princess Royal and Mark Phillips with the queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London after their wedding.
1973: Anne, the Princess Royal and Mark Phillips with the queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London after their wedding.
1974: The queen with the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.
1974: The queen with the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.
1975: The queen greets the public while visiting Greenwich, London.
1975: The queen greets the public while visiting Greenwich, London.
1976: The queen looking relaxed standing next to her car.
1976: The queen looking relaxed standing next to her car.
1977: The crowd cheers the queen in her gilded state coach during her silver jubilee procession.
1977: The crowd cheers the queen in her gilded state coach during her silver jubilee procession.
1978: The queen and Prince Philip are greeted by Native Canadians as they arrive by train during a tour of Canada.
1978: The queen and Prince Philip are greeted by Native Canadians as they arrive by train during a tour of Canada.
1979: The queen is met by president Julius Nyerere at Dar es Salaam airport, at the start of a three-day state visit to Tanzania.
1979: The queen is met by president Julius Nyerere at Dar es Salaam airport, at the start of a three-day state visit to Tanzania.
1980: On a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show, London.
1980: On a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show, London.
1981: The Prince and Princess of Wales pose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, with the queen.
1981: The Prince and Princess of Wales pose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, with the queen.
1982: US president Ronald Reagan and the queen at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle.
1982: US president Ronald Reagan and the queen at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle.
1983: The queen and Prince Philip are met by Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi and president Zail Singh at Palam Airport, New Delhi, during a Commonwealth tour of India.
1983: The queen and Prince Philip are met by Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi and president Zail Singh at Palam Airport, New Delhi, during a Commonwealth tour of India.
1984: Prince Charles is presented with an award by his mother, after a polo match at Smiths Lawn in Windsor.
1984: Prince Charles is presented with an award by his mother, after a polo match at Smiths Lawn in Windsor.
1985: The queen visits the University of Evora during a state visit to Portugal.
1985: The queen visits the University of Evora during a state visit to Portugal.
1986: The queen and Li Xiannian, president of China, outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during her visit to China.
1986: The queen and Li Xiannian, president of China, outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during her visit to China.
1987: The queen with Prince William and Prince Harry in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor.
1987: The queen with Prince William and Prince Harry in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor.
1988: US president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan chatting with the queen at Buckingham Palace.
1988: US president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan chatting with the queen at Buckingham Palace.
1989: The royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Pictured are Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
1989: The royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Pictured are Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
1990: The queen on a walkabout in Reykjavik, during a three-day state visit to Iceland.
1990: The queen on a walkabout in Reykjavik, during a three-day state visit to Iceland.
1991: England captain Will Carling introduces the queen to the England team before the Rugby World Cup Final against Australia at Twickenham.
1991: England captain Will Carling introduces the queen to the England team before the Rugby World Cup Final against Australia at Twickenham.
1992: The queen at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin during an official tour of Germany. She is seen with President Richard Von Weizsaecker.
1992: The queen at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin during an official tour of Germany. She is seen with President Richard Von Weizsaecker.
1993: The queen walking through the crowds at Royal Ascot.
1993: The queen walking through the crowds at Royal Ascot.
1994: The queen, Princess Anne, Prince Philip and Princess Diana greeting well-wishers as they attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
1994: The queen, Princess Anne, Prince Philip and Princess Diana greeting well-wishers as they attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
1995: The queen at a banquet in Cape Town, South Africa, with president Nelson Mandela.
1995: The queen at a banquet in Cape Town, South Africa, with president Nelson Mandela.
1996: Germany captain Jurgen Klinsmann lifts the trophy as the queen smiles, after the 1996 UEFA European Championships Final against Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium in London.
1996: Germany captain Jurgen Klinsmann lifts the trophy as the queen smiles, after the 1996 UEFA European Championships Final against Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium in London.
1997: The queen and Prince Philip view tributes from the public outside Buckingham Palace to Diana, Princess of Wales, after her funeral.
1997: The queen and Prince Philip view tributes from the public outside Buckingham Palace to Diana, Princess of Wales, after her funeral.
1998: The queen shopping at the trade stands at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
1998: The queen shopping at the trade stands at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
1999: With British prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair during the Millennium New Year celebrations in Greenwich, London.
1999: With British prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair during the Millennium New Year celebrations in Greenwich, London.
2000: The queen and Italy's president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi walk past the honour guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome.
2000: The queen and Italy's president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi walk past the honour guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome.
2001: The queen and other members of the royal family appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in London.
2001: The queen and other members of the royal family appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in London.
2002: The queen and Prince Philip leave after a party for close friends and family at The Ritz hotel in London. The monarch was thanking them for making her golden jubilee year a success.
2002: The queen and Prince Philip leave after a party for close friends and family at The Ritz hotel in London. The monarch was thanking them for making her golden jubilee year a success.
2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by the queen during a procession at the start of his state visit in London.
2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by the queen during a procession at the start of his state visit in London.
2004: The queen arrives in her horsedrawn carriage to attend Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
2004: The queen arrives in her horsedrawn carriage to attend Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
2005: Prince Charles and his bride, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose with their families and the queen at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony.
2005: Prince Charles and his bride, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose with their families and the queen at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony.
2006: The queen smiles at the crowds in Windsor, during a walk in the town to celebrate her 80th Birthday.
2006: The queen smiles at the crowds in Windsor, during a walk in the town to celebrate her 80th Birthday.
2007: A less-than-impressed queen raises her hand during a downpour as she stands with Prince Philip and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
2007: A less-than-impressed queen raises her hand during a downpour as she stands with Prince Philip and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
2008: The queen stands in the music room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas day message to the Commonwealth.
2008: The queen stands in the music room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas day message to the Commonwealth.
2009: US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama with the queen and Prince Philip during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
2009: US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama with the queen and Prince Philip during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
2010: The queen and Prince Philip wear 3D glasses to watch a demonstration, during a visit to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
2010: The queen and Prince Philip wear 3D glasses to watch a demonstration, during a visit to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
2011: The queen and Prince Philip arrive to open the Sainsbury Laboratory for Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden.
2011: The queen and Prince Philip arrive to open the Sainsbury Laboratory for Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden.
2012: The queen makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
2012: The queen makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
2013: The queen and other members of the royal family leave Westminster Abbey in London, after the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of the queen there.
2013: The queen and other members of the royal family leave Westminster Abbey in London, after the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of the queen there.
2014: A smiling queen arrives for the opening of the Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks in London.
2014: A smiling queen arrives for the opening of the Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks in London.
2015: The queen signs a book during a visit to the headquarters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's 603 Squadron in Edinburgh, Scotland.
2015: The queen signs a book during a visit to the headquarters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's 603 Squadron in Edinburgh, Scotland.
2016: Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, the queen, and Prince Philip stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall.
2016: Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, the queen, and Prince Philip stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall.
2017: The queen and Prince Charles attend the State Opening Of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster, London.
2017: The queen and Prince Charles attend the State Opening Of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster, London.
2018: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and the queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
2018: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and the queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
2019: The queen and US president Donald Trump arrive for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
2019: The queen and US president Donald Trump arrive for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
2020: Riding at Windsor. The queen has been in residence at Windsor Castle during the coronavirus pandemic.
2020: Riding at Windsor. The queen has been in residence at Windsor Castle during the coronavirus pandemic.
2021: The queen takes her seat at the funeral of Prince Philip, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
2021: The queen takes her seat at the funeral of Prince Philip, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Tomorrow 2021
While you're here
The specs: 2019 Audi A7 Sportback

Price, base: Dh315,000

Engine: 3.0-litre V6

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 335hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque: 500Nm @ 1,370rpm

Fuel economy 5.9L / 100km

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Bobby Charlton 49
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Jimmy Greaves 44
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Tom Finney 30
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Alan Shearer 30
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Building boom turning to bust as Turkey's economy slows

Deep in a provincial region of northwestern Turkey, it looks like a mirage - hundreds of luxury houses built in neat rows, their pointed towers somewhere between French chateau and Disney castle.

Meant to provide luxurious accommodations for foreign buyers, the houses are however standing empty in what is anything but a fairytale for their investors.

The ambitious development has been hit by regional turmoil as well as the slump in the Turkish construction industry - a key sector - as the country's economy heads towards what could be a hard landing in an intensifying downturn.

After a long period of solid growth, Turkey's economy contracted 1.1 per cent in the third quarter, and many economists expect it will enter into recession this year.

The country has been hit by high inflation and a currency crisis in August. The lira lost 28 per cent of its value against the dollar in 2018 and markets are still unconvinced by the readiness of the government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to tackle underlying economic issues.

The villas close to the town centre of Mudurnu in the Bolu region are intended to resemble European architecture and are part of the Sarot Group's Burj Al Babas project.

But the development of 732 villas and a shopping centre - which began in 2014 - is now in limbo as Sarot Group has sought bankruptcy protection.

It is one of hundreds of Turkish companies that have done so as they seek cover from creditors and to restructure their debts.

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Updated: August 31, 2022, 2:04 PM
Queen Elizabeth IIThe UK royal family