The newly appointed Prime Minister Andrew Burnham will be formally addressed by Buckingham Palace using his full first name rather than a diminutive, marking a shift in royal protocol. Official records from Tuesday’s Court Circular, which logs engagements involving the Royal Family, refer to the leader as “Andrew Burnham,” reflecting the palace’s preference for a more formal style of address.

This approach contrasts with previous practice; for instance, during the premiership of Tony Blair, the palace officially used his familiar form of address rather than the more formal “Anthony.” In the Court Circular’s report, it was noted that “His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration,” confirming the formal title.

Burnham’s preference for informality in his public image and working style may present an interesting dynamic with the palace’s formal usage. Born in a Liverpool suburb and raised in Culcheth, Cheshire, Burnham has fostered an image of relaxed professionalism, often described by aides as favoring casual attire such as black T-shirts and jeans outside the House of Commons, where he wears a jacket and tie.

The choice of how to address political figures by members of the Royal Family is traditionally a sensitive issue. Past interactions have sometimes underscored the friction that can arise over forms of address, as recalled by Cherie Blair in her memoirs. When she and former Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II’s Scottish residence, Princess Anne reportedly insisted on addressing her formally as “Mrs Blair,” despite Cherie’s preference for a less formal use of her first name. This disagreement marked the beginning of a strained relationship between the two.

The palace’s decision to maintain formal titles in official contexts aligns with longstanding traditions, signaling a balance between respecting personal preferences and the protocols associated with the monarchy’s engagement with government leaders. How Burnham will respond to the formal use of “Andrew” remains to be seen, amid his public persona that emphasizes accessibility and informality.