UK's May officially tenders resignation at Buckingham Palace

Britain's Theresa May officially tendered her resignation to the queen at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon, ending her leadership of the United Kingdom and clearing the way for Boris Johnson to take over in the role.

May was driven the short distance across central London from 10 Downing Street to the palace after making a farewell speech outside her former official residence in which she said she hopes her premiership shows females they can achieve anything.

She also used the speech to wish her successor well and to thank those who supported her during her three years in office.

May led the UK during a period that was overshadowed by the UK's pending departure from the European Union.

She will now return to the backbenches, where she will serve as the member of Parliament for Maidenhead, an area she has represented since 1997.