Reason UK General Election announcement means the Royal Family have cancelled their engagements

The Royal Family have cancelled a string of upcoming engagements, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's call for an early UK general election this July.

Although the King and Queen's D-Day 80th anniversary appearances in Portsmouth and Normandy in June are expected to go ahead as scheduled, there is now major disruption with other events in the forthcoming royal diaries.

Now, in a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the reason for these cancellations has been revealed - and it's because the King and Queen don't want to 'divert attention' from the election campaign.

The statement read: "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."

King Charles and Queen Camilla

As the King could be set for the third prime minister of his reign, Sky News revealed: "The King must sit above politics, but this announcement has meddled with the monarch's diary.

"We understand his whole schedule, which only recently restarted after his cancer diagnosis, is now being assessed and reviewed, although plans to attend D-Day commemorations are going ahead.

"The King's constitutional role might seem ceremonial, but this is a reminder the Crown remains an integral part of parliament. Only the King can appoint prime ministers, only the King approves Bills, and only the King can dissolve parliament."

King Charles meeting Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace

Rishi Sunak announced yesterday afternoon (May 22) that Brits will head to the polls to decide the country's next government on July 4, putting an end to months of uncertainty. The Prime Minister met with the monarch at Buckingham Palace to request the dissolution of Parliament, kick-starting the election process.

The Prime Minister then met with the King at Buckingham Palace, shortly after the King hosted young winners of the Prince's Trust Awards. The pair met for approximately 15 minutes in the King's usual private audience room as part of the Prime Minister's scheduled weekly audience.

Rishi expressed optimism about the UK's financial outlook, saying: "Today marks a major moment for the economy, with inflation back to normal. Brighter days are ahead, but only if we stick to the plan to improve economic security and opportunity for everyone."

King Charles and Rishi Sunak

In his announcement of the election, the PM highlighted the importance of building on current achievements: "This hard earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning, the question now is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family, and our country?".

He urged the nation to consider its path forward: "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty."

Sunak also mentioned his recent conversation with royalty: "Earlier today I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament. The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4."