Queen cuts Sandringham stay short for crisis talks with Boris Johnson at Windsor

The Queen has cut her Sandringham stay short this summer as she has had to head back to Windsor Castle to have her weekly - and final phone call - with the soon-to-be former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

• The Queen has been staying at her Norfolk country estate, Sandringham House.
• Her Majesty was forced to cut the trip early in order to have crisis talks with Boris Johnson.
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton stuns in bright white Emelia Wickstead dress, and fans can't get enough, 'I love that dress.'

Only a few days ago, the Queen was spotted enjoying a private break at her Sandringham Estate as Her Majesty had some well-earned rest after the busy Platinum Jubilee festivities just a few weeks before.

It has now been revealed that this summer retreat has been cut short for the Queen as she has headed back to Windsor Castle and was having crisis talks with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as a huge number of government ministers handed in their resignations.

The resignation of more than 50 MPs then led to Boris announcing on July 7, 2022, that he would be resigning as Prime Minister and would step down in the autumn.

It is unclear if the Prime Minister told the Queen on July 6 during their meeting, that he was planning to hand in his resignation but some believe that for the Queen to cut her trip short, she was aware of the seriousness of this matter. 

Reportedly, the Prime Minister has now spoken to Sir Graham Brady, the Tory 1922 chairman, and agreed to hand in his resignation. The appointment of a new Tory party leader is set to take place in a few months at the October Conservative party conference.

As the Head of State, the Queen must remain neutral when it comes to political matters. This means that she cannot vote or stand for election, but she does have a number of important roles including the opening of Parliament. 

The Queen must also grant royal assent to new legislation and has the prerogative power to assign a Prime Minister. However, the majority of these powers are limited and typically ceremonial rather than really exercising any royal power. After a general election, the Queen will always place the leader of the winning party as the Prime Minister and has not yet deviated from this tradition even though technically she has the right to choose.