London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jun 20, 2025

Senior MPs take oath of allegiance to King Charles

Senior MPs take oath of allegiance to King Charles

Senior MPs including Prime Minister Liz Truss have sworn a new oath of allegiance to King Charles III in a special session of Parliament.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle opened proceedings by taking the oath, followed by Sir Peter Bottomley, the longest-serving MP.

Sir Keir Starmer and former PM Theresa May were also pledging allegiance.

In a rare Saturday sitting, MPs and peers gathered for a second day of tributes to the late Queen.

MPs are sworn in after each general election so they can take their seat, speak in debates, vote and receive a salary.

The wording of the oath means MPs have already pledged their allegiance to the heirs and successors of the Queen, meaning they do not have to do it again at this point.

Sir Lindsay told MPs: "There will be further opportunities for all honourable members to take the oath or make the affirmation following her late majesty's funeral.

"There is no procedural requirement to do so."

Ms Truss was foremost among those taking the pledge, speaking the words: "I swear by almighty God, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law, so help me God."

Following the taking of oaths, MPs took it in turns to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II and recount their memories of the late monarch.

Many MPs used their speeches to tell amusing and at times emotional anecdotes about the Queen's wisdom, sense of humour and ability to put people at their ease.

In all, 321 MPs spoke in the two-day session.

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt made the final speech of the special two-day session, closing proceedings by praising the Queen's "devotion to duty" and public service.

"Our great Queen has entrusted us all with a living legacy of triumph and over tribulation, of cheerfulness over challenge, of dedication and determination," Ms Mordaunt said.

"She has left us, her values remain with us. Her example compels us to continued fidelity to our king and our country. God save the King."

Wrapping up, Sir Lindsay said a humble address - which is a message to the monarch - paying tribute to the King Charles would be presented to His Majesty.

With that Parliament was adjourned until after 21 September, during a period of national mourning.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle was the first MP to take the oath


Ms Truss, who was invited to form a government by the late Queen on Tuesday, had her initial audience with King Charles on Friday.

The prime minister curtsied as she was ushered in by a royal aide for the first of what will be their regular weekly encounters.

Earlier on Saturday, senior ministers attended the Accession Council at St James's Palace, where Charles was formally proclaimed sovereign.

The king has also received the prime minister, members of the cabinet and opposition leaders at Buckingham Palace for an audience with the monarch.

A period of national mourning will last until the day of the Queen's state funeral on 19 September.

Ahead of the funeral, the new King will visit Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and Ms Truss will accompany him.

Liz Truss introduced members of the cabinet to King Charles at an audience held in Buckingham Palace


A spokesman said: "The prime minister believes it is important to be present for what will be a significant moment of national mourning around the United Kingdom."

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
UK Deploys RAF Jets to Middle East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Two Skydivers Die in 'Tragic Accident' at Devon Airfield
Sainsbury's and Morrisons Accused of Displaying Prohibited Tobacco Ads
UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Families Seek Closure After Air India Crash
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
Trump's Military Parade Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Challenge Trump's Leadership
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Germany Holds First Veterans Celebration Since WWII
U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
×