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King Charles III spoke publicly for the first time on Friday about the recent riots in British cities, commending the police for their efforts in managing the violence.
King Charles III spoke publicly for the first time on Friday about the recent riots in British cities, commending the police for their efforts in managing the violence.
While the royal couple had previously expressed condolences for the victims of a mass stabbing on July 29, they had not commented on the subsequent riots. The king praised the British police and emergency services for their work in restoring peace.
He expressed hope that the nation’s “shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite” amid recent unrest. The king, who is currently on his summer holiday in Scotland, had previously remained silent on the riots.
Hundreds have been arrested during near-nightly unrest across England and Northern Ireland, attributed to far-right agitators exploiting the tragic killings of three girls in Southport. The suspect in the killings was born in Britain.
Although the monarchy typically avoids political commentary, the king praised the police’s response and the resilience of those opposing the violence. He expressed encouragement from the reaction to counter the aggression with compassion.
The king’s recent call for unity addressed concerns about his earlier silence, which some royal watchers found surprising given the situation’s gravity. Historian Ed Owens expressed astonishment at the lack of a more forceful royal statement during this critical period for the UK.
Constitutional law expert Craig Prescott noted that the monarchy traditionally refrains from commenting on current political events. He pointed out that Queen Elizabeth II had also remained silent during the 2011 riots.
