King Charles Praises 'Community Spirit' and Calls for Unity amid Growing Demands for His Response to U.K. Riots

Mar. 15, 2025

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King Charlesis receiving daily updates on the violent riots across the U.K., with the palace emphasizing the monarch’s hope that “mutual respect and understanding” will restore unity and strengthen the nation.

The King, 75,is in Scotlandfor the royal family’s traditional late-summer retreat, and it’s understood that he has made private calls about the issue. The unrest erupted afterthree children were killedin aknife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga classin Southport, England, on July 29.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said on August 9, “In addition to the private calls His Majesty has been making throughout the week concerning recent events — and in particular the impact they have had on affected communities — 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.”

“It remains His Majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation,” the palace spokesperson added.

Any potential visit to affected regions will only occur if it does not put additional strain on frontline services, PEOPLE understands. The hope is that, when conditions permit, an appropriate opportunity will arise for the King to directly show his concern and support for the impacted communities.

While members of the British royal family are constitutionally non-political and King Charles does not hold a political role, they are known to speak out around major events. After the fatal attack at the children’s yoga and dance class last week, the King released a statement following the tragedy, as didPrince WilliamandKate Middleton.

“As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through,” the Princess and Princess of Wales wrote online. “We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.”

“Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most,” they continued, signing the message “W & C” for their first initials.

King Charles also issued a message saying he andQueen Camillawere “profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident” and sent their thoughts to everyone affected.

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While authorities arrested a 17-year-old from the local area and said they were not treating the incident as terror-related, discord has surged with riots across England and Northern Ireland.

source: people.com