The King has praised ordinary Brits who rose up against far-right hate in the wake of the Southport stabbings, praising the way in which ‘the aggression and criminality from a few’ had been met by ‘the compassion and resilience of the many.’
The monarch, who is currently on holiday at his Birkhall home in Scotland but has continued to work and been updated daily on the recent unrest, spoke to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer tonight in the wake of the rioting.
He also spoke to police chiefs about the strain their officers have been under as more than 100 are thought to have been injured attempting to keep the peace as riots were stoked online by the far-right.Â
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said his calls with the Prime Minister and police leaders came after a series of ‘private calls throughout the week concerning recent events – and in particular the impact they have had on affected communities’.
While details of such calls are normally recorded in the court circular, the official record of royal engagements, it is unusual for so much detail to be given and underlines the seriousness of the national crisis.
King Charles has voiced his support for ordinary Brits pushing back against the ‘aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many’Â
Thugs during a far-right anti-immigration protest in Rotherham on August 4
A thousands-strong anti-racism protest in Walthamstow, where far-right thugs had reportedly intended to assemble outside an immigration office on Wednesday
The King has praised the resilience of those who turned out to counter far-right and racist hatred that spilled onto the streets, engineered by online bile
The monarch spoke to police chiefs as well as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (seen here visiting Solihull on Thursday)
The spokesperson continued: ‘This evening The King held a phone audience with the Prime Minister, and additionally had a joint call with the Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex.
‘In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder.
‘Additionally, The King shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.
‘It remains His Majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.’
Earlier this week the Mail reported that Charles, 75, had been keeping a keen eye on unfolding events but would not be speaking publicly given the extreme political discourse around them.
However he hopes to visit affected communities in the coming weeks and months to speak to police and local leaders.
Any such visit would only take place when it does not place an additional burden on frontline services at a time when they are so stretched.
It is also anticipated that the King will address the issues more directly and express his concern for affected communities once the circumstances are right.
While there have been calls for the King to make a public statement, it has been noted that the late Queen chose not to make a public comment in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 riots.
As is usual, the monarch would only say anything on government advice.
