ITV News’ Julie Etchingham caught red-handed in major Keir Starmer-King Charles blunder

ITV News’ Julie Etchingham has apologised after making a huge mistake.

As Sir Keir Starmer arrived at Buckingham Palace to be officially installed as Prime Minister following Labour’s landslide victory in the general election, she revealed who Sir Keir would be meeting. However, many fans on social media have spotted a very embarrassing gaffe made by Julie.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his party remained in opposition after Sir Keir Starmer and Labour secured a landslide majority of 412 seats. Elsewhere, the Conservatives lost 250 seats, winning just 121. Sir Ed Davey and the Liberal Democrats achieved their best ever result, gaining 63 seats, taking their total to 71.

But moments after Sunak left Buckingham Palace, having handed in his resignation to King Charles, Julie told viewers that Sir Keir had arrived at the monarch’s official residence to be asked to form a government. Prime ministers are asked by the sovereign to form a government on their behalf after the previous government has been dissolved.

As Sir Keir stepped out of his Range Rover, Julie said: “I was met by the King’s private secretary, Lady Victoria Starmer, at his side. I was met to go and see the Queen. To see the King, forgive me, to see the King being asked to form a new government and what a moment that must be for him as he contemplates what lies ahead.”

The moment didn’t go unnoticed though, with fans immediately taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to the post. “Big mistake ITV. Saying Starmer is about to meet the Queen.” “Ouch,” commented a second. Moments after leaving Buckingham Palace after being appointed Prime Minister, outside 10 Downing Street, Sir Keir said: “Thank you. Good morning, I have just returned from Buckingham Palace where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to form the next government of this great nation.”

“I want to thank outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. His achievement as our country’s first British Asian Prime Minister, the extra effort that has taken, cannot be underestimated by anyone. And we have paid tribute to him today. We also recognise the dedication and hard work that he has brought to his leadership.” He added: “My government will serve you, politics can be a force for good.”

Reflecting on the task ahead, Sir Keir added: “The work of change begins immediately, but have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain.” He went on to say that the work his government needs to do is “urgent” but “will start today.” He acknowledged, however, that the new administration has its work cut out for it after 14 years of Tory rule.