Jeremy Corbyn did not kneel before The Queen when he was sworn in as a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council, it is understood.
The lifelong republican, who last month avoided the meeting, attended the ceremony to make him an official member of the centuries-old council on 11th November.
The Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery – The Queen’s gowns used for the opening of Parliament could be shown
Labour Leader Corbyn said he would not kneel to ITV News before he travelled to the Palace.
“I don’t expect to be kneeling at all, no. I expect to be nominated to the privy council and that’s it.”
New Privy Counsellors are expected to kneel on a stool before The Queen and kiss her hand as a sign of deference. However, Buckingham Palace does not force members to do things they are not comfortable with and, therefore Mr Corbyn did not kneel.
It was thought the politician would be made a Counsellor by an Order of Council, so he did not have to attend, but this is only reserved for ill members or those out of the country.
The Parliamentary website was mistakenly updated last month, before Corbyn was sworn in, and the Palace had to ask for it to be removed, effectively stripping him of the title before he held it.
As a member of the council, which is the oldest functioning legislative assembly in the UK, Corbyn now has the right to be called ‘Right Honourable’, and have access to confidential information, including security briefs and financial documents.
The council is made up of 600 senior figures including politicians, and members of the judiciary, and they meet about once a month, though all members need not attend every meeting.
Promising to be a loyal member of the advisory body involved pledging oneself to The Queen:
“You will not know or understand of any manner of thing to be attempted, done or spoken against Her Majesty’s person, honour, crown or dignity royal, but you will let and withstand the same to the uttermost of your power, and either cause it to be revealed to Her Majesty herself, or to such of her Privy Council as shall advertise Her Majesty of the same.
“You will in all things to be moved, treated and debated in council, faithfully and truly declare your mind and opinion, according to your heart and conscience; and will keep secret all matters committed and revealed unto you, or that shall be treated of secretly in council.”
Former cabinet minister and Republican Tony Benn wrote in his diaries that he kissed his own thumb instead of Her Majesty’s hand.
2 comments
Hmm interesting, irritating, I have better things to worry for and that man is not one of it. Get the prick in check or I will. If I found out that you are forwarding him to me immediately you will be punished!
Like it or not, the Crown is the institution which embodies and represents the people of The UK. By failing to kneel, by failing to kiss the hand, Corbyn dies not demonstrate disrespect for HM, he shows contempt for the people of the UK.