Keir Starmer officially resigns as British PM during meeting with King Charles

Keir Starmer has formally resigned as British Prime Minister after a meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Monday.

According to the established procedure, Starmer officially stepped down as prime minister after the king accepted his resignation.

Earlier in the day, Starmer delivered his farewell speech outside No. 10 Downing Street before heading to Buckingham Palace, marking the beginning of the political transition.

In his speech, Starmer said Britain was now "stronger and fairer," urged the country not to "succumb to that division," and wished Andy Burnham, who is set to be his successor, "every success," saying he had his "full support."

Starmer announced on June 22 that he would step down as leader of the Labour Party and remain in office as prime minister until his successor was chosen.

On July 17, the Labour Party announced that Andy Burnham had been elected as its new leader. Under the UK's parliamentary system, the leader of the party that commands a majority in the House of Commons automatically becomes prime minister, meaning no general election is required.

Starmer's resignation comes as Labour begins a new chapter under Burnham's leadership, with the new prime minister set to take charge of the government after receiving the king's appointment.