Rishi Sunak's surprise announcement of a general election on July 4 caught everybody by surprise this week, including King Charles and the rest of the Windsors.
The monarch has been making a gradual return to public duties in recent weeks with his cancer treatment reportedly going well, while Prince William has also been back in action after wife Kate's bombshell diagnosis.
However, the Prime Minister's decision has meant that Buckingham Palace has had to cancel most royal engagements over the next six weeks to ensure there is no suggestion of interfering in politics. It may also have a major impact on Holyrood Week, which was pencilled in for the first week in July
A palace statement said: "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.
