Prince William has decided to cancel a trip that was scheduled for May 23, 2024. He will no longer attend the scheduled engagement following updated guidance from Buckingham Palace.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “We look forward to rescheduling in the future and are extremely sorry to anyone who has already travelled.”
The decision was made following an announcement by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who adjusted their schedules after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that a general election would be held on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Releasing a statement on Wednesday, the royal couple confirmed all royal engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign,” had been canceled or postponed. Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen sent their “sincere apologies” to those affected.
The news comes after King Charles met with the PM on Wednesday and agreed with his request to dissolve Parliament.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on Wednesday: “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 outcome of the July 4 election will determine whether Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party remains in government. If not, it will mark the third prime minister of King Charles’s short reign. Mr. Sunak was welcomed as his second PM just six weeks after ascending to the throne, following the resignation of Liz Truss.
The royal couple’s appearances in Portsmouth and Normandy in June to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day will proceed as scheduled.
They are set to participate in the Ministry of Defence and Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. Meanwhile, Prince William is expected to mark the poignant anniversary alongside the Canadian government at Juno Beach Centre.
He will be accompanied by Canadian armed forces personnel and World War II veterans.
The father-of-three is also slated to attend the international commemorative ceremony at Omaha Beach, where he will join veterans and 25 world heads of state.
