King Charles has commended the “community spirit” and “compassion” that have emerged in response to the “aggression and criminality” seen during the recent riots, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. In phone calls with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and senior police officials on Friday evening, the King expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the police and emergency services for their efforts to restore peace in affected areas.
Speaking from Scotland, where he is currently residing, King Charles highlighted the importance of “shared values of mutual respect and understanding” to unite the nation during these turbulent times. His conversations with Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs Council, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex, provided him with updates on the ongoing situation and allowed him to express his gratitude for the police’s dedication.
Although the King has maintained a politically neutral stance, his call for unity and his behind-the-scenes efforts to bring together communities reflect his long-standing commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding in Britain. While there had been public calls for the King to speak out sooner, royal observers noted that his approach aligns with the traditional role of the monarchy in times of national crisis, where the head of state allows the government to lead the immediate response.
King Charles’s remarks also draw a parallel to his actions following the 2011 riots, where he visited affected areas to promote cross-community relations after calm was restored. For now, no immediate royal visits to trouble spots are planned, with such actions being postponed until the situation stabilizes, ensuring that police resources remain focused on managing the unrest.