World 14/09/2026 11:50 PM

UK Premier Cancels Engagements After His Father Dies Age 86

BERNAMA Malaysian National News Agency
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UK Premier Cancels Engagements After His Father Dies Age 86
Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Prime Ministers' Questions session in Parliament in London, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

LONDON, Sept 14 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cancelled engagements for two days after his father died at the age of 86, his office said Monday, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

"The PM has cancelled engagements for today and tomorrow due to the passing of his father, Roy," a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement.

According to news reports, Roy Burnham, 86, was living with Alzheimer’s in a care home.

Speaking about his father being unaware of him becoming prime minister this July, Burnham told The Times of London over the summer: "That’s a sadness because he would be (proud). The way I look at it, it’s his achievement as well. A whole family achievement although he doesn’t know it."

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK, according to the National Health Service (NHS) website.

-- BERNAMA