News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

David Cameron snubbed the Queen on at least two occasions, failing to kneel to be sworn into the Privy Council for three months after being made Tory leader.

Mr Cameron was approved to join the secretive group on December 14, 2005, when he was elected Leader of the Opposition.

But it wasn't until three months later, on March 8, 2006, that he bent his knee, kissed the Queen's hand and pledged the oath.

That means he missed at least two occasions - the January and February meetings - when he could have been sworn of the council.

Today it emerged that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had sent his apologies to the Queen for being unable to attend the first meeting of the Council since his election.

(Image: Daily Mirror / Andy Stenning)

His team said he had a prior engagement.

A spokesperson for Republic said Mr Corbyn's non-attendance was "completely unimportant."

He said the controversy was "entirely unfounded and people need to grow up a little bit."

He added the Queen could have put an end to the whole thing by saying the meeting "wasn't necessary."

A fraction of the Privy Council's 600 members ever attend meetings, which take place roughly every month on an ad hoc basis.

Frequently only three or four members who have specific business that needs the attention or approval of the monarch go to the meetings.

There were three meetings of the Privy Council between David Cameron's election and him being sworn of the council.

One was just eight days after his election. His formal order to join the group was put forward on that day, but he did not swear.

It's unusual for formal orders and swearing to happen on the same day - but not unheard of.

For example, Tony Blair was sworn of the council just three days after being elected Labour leader in 1994.

Another meeting was a single issue, extraordinary meeting, with no opportunity to swear.

His second opportunity fell on the same day his son, Elwen, was born.

During his time as Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg , who was Lord President of the Council, failed to attend on at least four occasions - deputising the Leader of the House or the Leader of the Lords to go instead.

On one occasion in 2012, Mr Clegg chose attending an Olympic athletes parade over travelling to Balmoral to meet with the Queen.

We contacted Downing Street to ask why Mr Cameron had not attended the meetings, but they had not responded at the time of publication.

The Privy Council oath

You do swear by Almighty God to be a true and faithful Servant unto The Queen's Majesty as one of Her Majesty's Privy Council.

You will not know or understand of any manner of thing to be attempted, done or spoken against Her Majesty's Person, Honour, Crown or Dignity Royal, but you will lett and withstand the same to the uttermost of your power, and either cause it to be revealed to Her Majesty Herself, or to such of Her Privy Council as shall advertise Her Majesty of the same.

You will in all things to be moved, treated and debated in Council, faithfully and truly declare your Mind and Opinion, according to your Heart and Conscience; and will keep secret all matters committed and revealed unto you, or that shall be treated of secretly in Council.

And if any of the said Treaties or Counsels shall touch any of the Counsellors you will not reveal it unto him but will keep the same until such time as, by the consent of Her Majesty or of the Council, Publication shall be made thereof.

You will to your uttermost bear Faith and Allegiance to the Queen's Majesty; and will assist and defend all civil and temporal Jurisdictions, Pre-eminences, and Authorities, granted to Her Majesty and annexed to the Crown by Acts of Parliament, or otherwise, against all Foreign Princes, Persons, Prelates, States, or Potentates.

And generally in all things you will do as a faithful and true Servant ought to do to Her Majesty so help you God.