Mr Jack McConnell will be formally installed as Scotland's first minister today.
He will receive a warrant from Queen Elizabeth II giving Buckingham Palace's approval for his appointment, making him Scotland’s third premier in little more than two years.
He was chosen by MSPs as Mr Henry McLeish's successor last Thursday.
Mr McLeish resigned over a row about his constituency office expenses.
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Mr McConnell will be sworn in to the post at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, when he will be asked to take the oath of allegiance.
It is the first time a first minister has been called to London for the ceremony, after Mr Donald Dewar and Mr Henry McLeish were met by the Queen in Edinburgh.
PA