King Charles urged to speak out on UK riots

King Charles faces criticism for delayed response to UK riots following Southport stabbing, as unrest continues.

King Charles III's delay in responding to far-right protests and rioting in Britain has drawn criticism.

According to Newsweek, the monarch has requested to be kept informed about developments by the UK's new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

The unrest follows anti-immigration protests that escalated into riots and looting after three children were killed in a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on 29 July. Misinformation on social media about the attacker's identity and anti-immigration rhetoric pushed by far-right activists have further fuelled the unrest.

Police have arrested over 100 individuals connected to the riots. On Tuesday, the prime minister stated that those involved would "feel the full force of the law" and that this should "send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week."

While Prime Minister Starmer has publicly addressed the situation multiple times, Buckingham Palace and King Charles have yet to issue any statement. The monarch expressed grief and concern after the Southport stabbings but has not addressed the subsequent rioting or anti-immigration unrest.

Historian Kate Williams told Times Radio that the ongoing violence is causing widespread fear and that the monarchy needs to speak out. She emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting the terror felt in cities gripped by racist and anti-Islamic violence.

This situation draws parallels to the 2011 riots in Britain, sparked by the police shooting of Mark Duggan in North London. During those riots, Queen Elizabeth II did not issue a statement, though royal family members visited affected communities. Charles and Queen Camilla (then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall) visited Tottenham, where the riots began, 13 days after Duggan's death.