British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised the public on Wednesday with a snap election. This now also has an impact on the royal family.

Political earthquake in Britain: The general election will take place in less than two months, on July 4, 2024. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the date of the election after a cabinet meeting late on Wednesday afternoon. In times of uncertainty, a clear plan and bold action are required, said the Conservative head of government. You can read more about it here.

This has sparked a variety of reactions, from angry opposition to the first campaign videos to the fact that changes are now also in the offing for the British royal family. Because the royal family must behave differently in these times and, according to protocol, must not be a distraction from the politically significant change of mood. That is why Buckingham Palace made an announcement on Wednesday evening.

The royal family is postponing any appointments that “might appear to divert attention from the election campaign,” the palace said. Specifically, a statement from the King and Queen read: “Following the Prime Minister's statement this afternoon calling for a general election, the Royal Family will, in accordance with normal procedure, postpone engagements that distract or detract from the election campaign.”

Charles III later apologized and his queen Camilla “extend our deepest condolences to all those who may be affected.” The cancellation of appointments applies to all working members of the royal family and therefore also to Prince William and Princess Catherine, who are still undergoing treatment for their cancer treatment. However, appointments for William are cancelled this Thursday. The visits that he actually wanted to make in public have been cancelled, as the royal reporter of the British newspaper “Daily Mail” reports on her X account.

However, the King and Queen's appearances to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth and Normandy in June are expected to go ahead as planned. This date can still be found on the official Buckingham Palace website. However, other events on the royal calendar have already been cancelled.