King Charles III made a touching gesture to Rishi Sunak as he officially appointed the UK's first British Indian Muslim Prime Minister at Buckingham Palace. The meeting took place in the 1844 Room, where a selection of sweets were placed in honour of Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide.
Mr Sunak, born in Hampshire to Indian migrant parents, is married to Akshata Murthy, daughter of Indian billionaire NR Narayana Murthy. His appointment has sparked pride among Indian communities in Britain, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering him 'special' Diwali wishes, describing British Indians as a 'living bridge' between the two nations.
The King and Mr Sunak have met on several previous occasions, including at a reception for the British Asian Trust, which Charles established. Mr Sunak has traditionally marked Diwali by placing a rangoli decoration and lighting oil lamps at the doorstep of his official residence at 11 Downing Street.
The formal appointment was conducted by Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the King and Queen Consort, along with Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson and Sir Edward Young. The King's gesture of providing Diwali sweets was widely seen as a warm welcome to the new Prime Minister during the festive season.
