With last year’s General Election welcoming a new Labour government and hundreds of new MPs, a Royal Reception was held at Buckingham Palace to welcome these politicians on Wednesday, January 26.
Hosted by King Charles and the Queen Consort Camilla, the event welcomed 45 peers and 270 MPs, including Leigh and Atherton’s MP Jo Platt.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Duke of Gloucester also attended the event, as well as the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, and former Prime Minister Theresa May.
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The MP said that the King knew every constituency (Image: Ian Jones Photography) When meeting the newly elected members of Parliament, it is reported that the King had a detailed knowledge and understanding of each area and constituency across the UK.
Speaking about her first experience inside the Palace, Jo Platt MP said: “This type of event has never really happened before, but we were told that the King wanted to meet all the new MPs and Peers.
“It was my first time inside the Palace so it was an honour and a privilege to be invited and represent Leigh and Atherton.
“The King was on good form and he knew every constituency too, so it was a day to remember.”
The MP said it was a ‘day to remember’ (Image: Jo Platt MP) As the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, is known as a champion of the Arts, the Leigh and Atherton MP also says she spoke to him about the work carried out at Leigh Spinners Mill in recent years.
With the century-old Mill converted into a creative hub that is home to more than 70 independent businesses, and even more on the waiting list, Ms Platt said that the Prince was “mightily impressed” by the dedicated effort.
“His invite is in the post!”, the MP added.