Boris Johnson on Queen Elizabeth II
Boris Johnson, throughout his political career and particularly as Prime Minister, consistently demonstrated profound respect and deference towards Queen Elizabeth II, upholding the constitutional role of the monarchy. His public statements frequently emphasised the Queen's dedicated service and the importance of the Crown to national unity.
As Prime Minister, Johnson's interactions with the Queen were central to his tenure, involving formal appointments and constitutional requests. For example, he formally sought her approval to prorogue Parliament in 2019-08 to advance his Brexit agenda, illustrating his recognition of the monarch's formal powers.
Following the Queen's passing, Johnson paid tribute, highlighting her long reign and unwavering commitment to duty, a consistent theme in his public commentary regarding the monarch. His approach reflected a traditional Conservative respect for established national institutions and continuity.
Context
Boris Johnson's relationship with Queen Elizabeth II was defined by his roles in high office, most significantly as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022. In the UK's constitutional framework, the monarch remains the Head of State, and the Prime Minister serves as her chief political advisor and appointee.
His conduct in this relationship required adherence to strict protocol, as evidenced by formal audiences and official business conducted in the Queen's name. Johnson's tenure included the unprecedented events of the COVID-19 pandemic and his final year in office coincided with the Platinum Jubilee and the Queen's death.
Timeline
- Following his election as Conservative Party leader, Boris Johnson was appointed Prime Minister by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Johnson asked the Queen to prorogue Parliament, an action which was later ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court.
- The Platinum Jubilee celebrations took place, marking Queen Elizabeth II's 70th year on the throne, during Johnson's premiership.
- Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and Boris Johnson took part in King Charles III's Accession Council shortly after.
Key Quotes
I want to thank Her Majesty the Queen, on behalf of all of us, for the extraordinary sense of duty and of continuity that she has brought to this country for 70 years.
The Queen's sense of duty is the most powerful advertisement for the best of Britain that one could ever imagine.
Sources3
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.