The ceremony of “Kissing hands” is how Britain can receive a new prime minister in a single afternoon, even without a general election. Unlike many political systems, British prime ministers are not directly elected by the public. Instead, the monarch appoints the politician most likely to command a majority in the House of Commons, meaning a change in party leadership can quickly become a change in government.
To the British public and television viewers alike, the transfer of power is most visibly marked by speeches outside the iconic black door of Number 10 Downing Street. Yet the true transfer of power happens elsewhere. Behind the gates of Buckingham Palace, long-standing constitutional rituals, including the tradition known as “kissing hands,” formally mark the moment one prime minister leaves office and another begins.
The Farewell at Downing Street
The public end of a premiership begins outside Number 10, where the outgoing prime minister delivers a final speech before leaving office. These addresses reflect on achievements, acknowledge challenges, thank colleagues and family, and express hopes for the country’s future. Although highly symbolic, the prime minister remains in office throughout this speech. Only afterward do they travel to Buckingham Palace to formally resign.
Some farewell speeches have become memorable moments in British political history. Theresa May’s resignation speech in 2019 was marked by visible emotion as she spoke about serving “the country I love,” while David Cameron’s 2016 departure followed the Brexit referendum that ended his premiership. However, these speeches only represent the public end of a premiership. Constitutionally, power has not yet changed hands.
Where the True Shift in Power Happens – Kissing Hands
The actual transfer of power takes place at Buckingham Palace. The outgoing prime minister formally resigns to the monarch, who then invites the incoming leader to form a government. Only after accepting this invitation does the new prime minister officially take office.
This ceremony is traditionally known as “kissing hands,” a phrase dating back to a time when ministers literally kissed the sovereign’s hand as a symbol of loyalty and acceptance of office. Today, the gesture no longer takes place, but the phrase remains as a reminder of the monarchy’s constitutional role. Although the private audience lasts only a few minutes, it is this quiet ritual, rather than the speeches outside Number 10, that marks the formal transfer of power.
A New Prime Minister Takes Office
Following their meeting with the monarch, the new prime minister returns to Downing Street and delivers their first address to the nation. These speeches aim to reassure the public and establish the priorities and tone of the incoming government.
Not every transition takes place at Buckingham Palace. In September 2022, Liz Truss was appointed prime minister at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Queen Elizabeth II was staying. It was the first time in modern history that a new prime minister was appointed outside London. Two days later, the Queen died, making the meeting one of her final official acts.
Once a prime minister arrives at Number 10, the focus shifts from ceremony to governing. Among their first briefings are national security matters, including Britain’s nuclear deterrent. The prime minister receives procedures for authorising nuclear weapons and writes confidential “letters of last resort” to commanders of Britain’s nuclear submarines, which are only opened in the event of a catastrophic attack.
Some opening addresses have become defining moments in British politics. Tony Blair’s 1997 speech promised a “new dawn” after eighteen years of Conservative rule, while the rapid succession of Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak in 2022 showed how quickly Britain’s system can respond to political uncertainty. Winston Churchill’s departure in 1945 also remains notable, as the wartime leader was replaced by Clement Attlee after losing the general election.
The first speech outside Downing Street may signal a new political era, but the constitutional transfer has already taken place behind the doors of Buckingham Palace.
Final Thought
The process of changing a British prime minister reveals the balance between tradition and modern democracy. While elections and party leadership contests determine who becomes prime minister, constitutional customs complete the formal transfer of power.
Although rituals like “kissing hands” no longer resemble their original form, they continue to symbolize the monarch’s role in appointing Britain’s leaders. While the public watches the scenes outside Number 10, the decisive moment happens quietly at the Palace, allowing Britain to replace its leader quickly while maintaining continuity.
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Photo Credit: Prime Ministers Office