Theresa May Becomes Britain's Official Prime Minister, Meets Queen

Theresa May officially became Britain's prime minister after meeting with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday.

May, 59, takes over after David Cameron resigned the position following the success of the British referendum to exit the European Union. She is the thirteenth prime minister during the queen's reign and the first woman to hold the job since Margaret Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990, according to The Associated Press.

"Following the referendum, we face a time of great national change," May said, according to the AP. "And I know because we're Great Britain we will rise to the challenge."

"As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold new positive role for ourselves in the world and we will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few, but for every one of us."

A photo of May curtseying to the queen was released as a symbolic confirmation of the change in government.

May, who opposed Brexit, appointed a team of advocates from both sides of the referendum debate, The Washington Post reported. Pro-Brexit former London Mayor Boris Johnson was tapped as foreign secretary.

Despite her opposition, she has said she won't push to reverse the decision, saying "Brexit means Brexit."

The conservative also said she would fight injustice and work on behalf of the poor, women, and minorities.

For the past six years, May has served as home secretary, in charge of immigration and law and order, CBS News reported.

Tony Travers of the London School of Economics said she is unlikely to rush the transition out of the European Union.

"I don't detect Theresa May being an impulsive person," Travers said, according to CBS. "I think she's a cautious person, and the British political establishment needs to come to terms with this massive decision."

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