King Charles has expressed deep appreciation for the “community spirit” and “compassion” shown in response to the “aggression and criminality” witnessed during recent riots, according to Buckingham Palace.
In a series of phone calls on Friday evening, the King spoke with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and various police chiefs. During these discussions, King Charles extended his “heartfelt thanks” to the police and emergency services, commending their efforts to restore peace in the areas affected by violent disorder, a palace spokesperson revealed.
In a message aimed at fostering unity, the King expressed hope that the “shared values of mutual respect and understanding” would continue to strengthen and unite the nation.
While currently residing in Scotland, King Charles engaged in a conversation with the prime minister to discuss the ongoing unrest and riots. Additionally, the King held a joint call with Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs Council, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex. He thanked the police for their tireless efforts and received an update on the situation.
“The King shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the numerous instances of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality of a few with the compassion and resilience of the many,” said the palace spokesperson.
There had been growing speculation about whether the King would publicly address the riots. As a politically-neutral monarch, King Charles initially left the response to government ministers. However, the King has a longstanding commitment to fostering unity across different faiths and cultures, often referring to Britain as a “community of communities.” Amid the divisions exposed by the unrest, King Charles made his stance clear, advocating for tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding.
Reports suggest that, despite being on a summer break in Scotland and recently undergoing treatment for cancer, King Charles has been involved in behind-the-scenes efforts to bring together communities affected by the riots. However, the King is not expected to visit the troubled areas until the situation stabilizes, with the government leading the response to the protests.
This approach mirrors the pattern set during the 2011 riots when Queen Elizabeth refrained from making any public statements, and royal visits occurred only after calm had been restored. Following those riots, the then Prince Charles visited Tottenham and other affected areas to promote cross-community relations.
The King’s initial silence on the riots had drawn criticism, with figures such as Graham Smith, leader of the anti-monarchy group Republic, questioning his absence during the crisis. “We’re told the monarch is supposed to be a figurehead who unites the nation, yet when the nation is in crisis he’s nowhere to be seen,” Smith said.
However, this criticism was countered by historian and author Sir Anthony Seldon, who argued that the King should not be drawn into the debate during the crisis. “He is head of state, and it’s appropriate that while the crisis is going on, the head of government, the prime minister, handles the crisis management and says what is needed to be said. The time for the King to speak, if at all, is when everything has calmed down again,” Sir Anthony told a private news outlet.
Another concern about any immediate royal visits to the riot-hit areas has been the potential added pressure on the police on the ground.
