King Charles will meet with Sir Keir Starmer in just two days for their weekly audience.
The monarch and Sir Keir usually see each other on Wednesdays for the regular meeting to discuss Government matters following Prime Minister’s Questions, with the conversation normally taking place face to face.
This morning Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister in an emotional address delivered outside 10 Downing Street, bringing his tenure to an end after less than two years in office.
Sir Keir Starmer will remain in post as Prime Minister until a successor is confirmed.
The Prime Minister confirmed he had spoken with King Charles earlier this morning to formally notify him of his decision to step down.
The King was at Highgrove, his estate in Gloucestershire, and spoke with Sir Keir over the phone this morning.
Sir Keir will still have to meet the King in person to formally tender his resignation during an audience, as is tradition.
The 63-year-old's departure follows a weekend of deliberation with his family at Chequers, the country retreat used by serving prime ministers.
Addressing questions from within his own party about whether he should lead Labour into the next general election, Sir Keir stated: "I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace."
The outgoing leader has requested that Labour's National Executive Committee establish a timetable for selecting his replacement, with nominations set to begin on 9 July and the process concluding before the summer parliamentary recess.
This schedule is designed to guarantee that a successor takes charge prior to MPs returning to Westminster in September.
Sir Keir pledged to do everything possible to facilitate a smooth handover of power during the transition period.
He will continue serving as Prime Minister on a caretaker basis until the party membership chooses its new leader through the forthcoming contest.
Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, is widely regarded as the leading contender to succeed Sir Keir as Labour leader.
Mr Burnham secured victory in the Makerfield by-election and released a statement outlining his intention to run for leader of the Labour Party following Sir Keir’s announcement.
He wrote: "Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
"His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.
"The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get. As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be.
"People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people's lives.
"The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose.
"This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country."
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