Even though he did not receive permission to resign from his position as a Genro, advising of the appointment of the Prime Minister was led by the Minister of the Imperial Household followed by Saionji, who confirmed it.
元老拝辞はならなかったものの、内閣総理大臣奏薦は内大臣主導で行い、西園寺がそれを追認する形式となった。