Buckingham Palace has officially begun referring to the nation's new Prime Minister as 'Andrew Burnham', a more formal designation than his commonly used 'Andy'. This decision has been reflected in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements.
On Tuesday, the Court Circular stated: ‘His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration.’ This marks a formal acknowledgement of his new role by the monarchy. The choice of address is a notable contrast to how the palace referred to a previous Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who was addressed by his first name rather than his full given name, Anthony.
Burnham, who reportedly campaigned with posters urging voters to ‘Vote Andy’ and has indicated a preference for an informal approach in office, including wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, may find the formal royal address a point of contrast. Aides have suggested he intends to wear a jacket and tie only when at the House of Commons.
The use of specific forms of address by the Royal Family has previously led to notable instances. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair's wife, Cherie Blair, recounted an uncomfortable exchange with Princess Anne regarding the use of 'Mrs Blair,' which the Princess stated was 'not the way I’ve been brought up.'
Separately, Andy Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel, has faced public scrutiny regarding her fashion choices. Liz Kershaw, a BBC DJ, commented on a Victoria Beckham dress van Heel wore entering Downing Street, calling it 'nasty' and suggesting it did not fit well. This remark generated significant social media reaction.