Jeremy Corbyn 'did not kneel for the Queen'

It is understood that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn did not kneel before the Queen when he was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council on Wednesday.

The committed republican had previously stated he would need to think about whether he would attend the ceremony, which involves kneeling in front of the Queen and kissing her ring.

Labour did not confirm the details of the swearing-in, but speaking before the event, Corbyn told ITV News:

I don't expect to be kneeling at all, no. I expect to be nominated to the Privy Council and that's it.

I'm taking that position because it is normal for the leader of the opposition to be that, other people are in it, and that's what we're doing.

I was elected leader of the party in order to undertake this position.

Joining the ceremonial body of politicians and civil servants means that Corbyn will have access to national security briefings and be called “right honourable” by other MPs in the House of Commons.

It's possible to join without meeting with the monarch in person, but traditionally political party leaders usually do so.

A Westminster source told The Telegraph last week that the Queen didn't want to create a “constitutional crisis” by insisting upon his bended knee, accepting that “Jeremy’s republicanism is well known”.

Buckingham Palace agreed in private talks with Corbyn’s office to be accommodating about the ceremony, and Corbyn travelled to the palace for the tweaked proceedings on Wednesday afternoon.

In October the Islington North MP excused himself from a previous invitation to join the privy council by meeting with the monarch due to 'prior engagements'.

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