Two weeks of violent disorder and rioting instigated by far-right agitators has rocked the United Kingdom.
The stabbings of Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, Bebe King, aged six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven—along with eight other children and two adults in the Merseyside town of Southport on July 29—were the flashpoints that sparked the riots.
Only hours after the attack, false claims appeared online that the stabbings were the fault of an asylum seeker who arrived in the U.K. by boat. This false narrative was picked up by the far right and their supporters, who jumped at the chance to cause mayhem on British streets.
People of colour and particularly Muslims became targets. Islamophobia, racism and fascism was back on British streets at levels not seen since the 1970s.
It was, and still is, a scary time to be a person of colour living in the UK. With hundreds of riots planned by far right groups, counter-protests by groups such as Stand Up to Racism have taken place to try to promote community cohesion.
A car burns during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough, England, Sunday Aug. 4, 2024 (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
Meanwhile, almost 6,000 police officers remain mobilized across the U.K. to deal with the violence. It’s certainly been a baptism of fire for the new U.K Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who has cancelled his summer holiday because of the gravity of the situation, the effects of which will surely be felt for years to come.
The recent riots in the U.K. have sparked intense debate about the role of the monarchy in times of national crisis. Many are questioning whether King Charles III should break his silence and address the nation.
This situation has brought attention to the delicate balance between royal tradition and the need for leadership during turbulent times. The riots and instances of looting have left the public divided on how the Royal Family should respond.
Some argue that a message from Buckingham Palace could help foster national unity, while others believe the monarch should maintain political neutrality. It’s clear that the way King Charles handles this situation will shape public perception of the Royal Family and its place relevance in modern British society.
It’s fair to say that King Charles III has adopted a discreet approach to the ongoing riots in the UK. According to royal sources, the monarch has requested daily updates on the crisis. Despite being on his annual summer holiday in Scotland, sources say the King remains actively engaged in monitoring the situation.
He has held phone meetings with Starmer and police chiefs, expressing encouragement for the response that has, in the words of Buckingham Palace, “countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.â€
The King's involvement extends to his long-standing work in community cohesion and interfaith relations. Sources indicate that he continues to engage with community leaders privately, maintaining his commitment to fostering understanding among diverse groups.
Despite the escalating situation, King Charles has not made a public statement addressing the riots directly. This silence has drawn criticism from some quarters, with anti-monarchy group Republic labelling it a “cowardly absence.†However, constitutional experts argue that this approach aligns with the traditional role of the monarchy, which typically refrains from commenting on current political events to maintain neutrality.
The King's current stance mirrors that of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during the 2011 riots in England. She, too, remained quiet during the unrest. This consistency in approach underscores the delicate balance the monarchy must strike between showing concern and avoiding political controversy. Looking ahead, there is speculation that once the situation stabilizes, King Charles or other members of the Royal Family may visit affected communities. This would follow the precedent set after the 2011 riots when Charles, then Prince of Wales, visited Tottenham and other impacted areas to offer support and reassurance.
File photo showing Prince Charles and his wife Camilla seen with some of the children during a visit to The Tottenham Green Leisure Centre in north London on Aug. 17, 2011. Speaking of the unease gripping many neighbourhoods, Charles said it was time to deal with the 'real causes' rather than the 'symptoms' of England's worst civil unrest in decades (AP Photo / Phil Hannaford, The Sun, Pool)
The King's silence on the riots has drawn criticism from various quarters. Graham Smith, leader of the anti-monarchy group Republic, expressed disappointment, stating, “We're told the monarch is supposed to be a figurehead who unites the nation, yet when the nation is in crisis he's nowhere to be seen.â€
This sentiment reflects a growing concern among some members of the public who expect the monarch to play a more visible role during times of national crisis.
On the other hand, supporters of the monarchy have defended the King's approach. They argue that the Royal Family needs time to process events and respond appropriately, as well as trying to remain apolitical. This view aligns with the traditional role of the monarchy, which typically refrains from immediate commentary on political matters.
, a historian and author, supports this stance, suggesting that it is more appropriate for the prime minister to handle crisis management while the situation is ongoing.
Royal journalists and commentators, meanwhile, have weighed in on the timing of a potential royal response.
Royal correspondent Sarah Hewson told me this, given the criticism directed toward the King's public silence and his stance on multiculturalism and community inclusion: “As monarch he is a figure of national unity and there was understandably a desire to hear from him at a time of such instability. We know he was being kept abreast of the situation daily and it may be that he was acting on the advice of Downing Street not to intervene at that time and leave it to the politicians," said Hewson.
"When he did break his silence, it was to praise the community spirit that had countered aggression and thank the police and emergency services. I think we can expect visits to riot-hit areas at some point -- once the situation has calmed down and his presence wouldn’t put extra pressure on already stretched police resources. At that point, I would anticipate a more considered, official response from the King about building bridges and societal harmony," she said.
Royal commentator Daisy McAndrew, meanwhile, reflected on how difficult it was for the King to get his response right.
“Whilst it’s obvious that the civil unrest in the U.K. was a moment of jeopardy for the new government and the country at large, what won’t have been so obvious was how difficult it was for the King to fashion his response. To get involved too early with any form of public statement could have been interpreted as unconstitutional political meddling," McAndrew told me.
"To say nothing could look uncaring and aloof. Particularly at a time when he was on a ‘summer break’. The monarchy will have wanted to have taken a path that would be as inoffensive as possible to the majority of people. We’ll see whether they chose the right route.â€
In times of social and political upheaval, the monarchy has an opportunity to play a unifying role. King Charles has expressed hope that “shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.†This approach could involve acknowledging the legitimate grievances of marginalized groups whilst committing to address systemic issues that contribute to social divisions.
The King's emphasis on the “compassion and resilience of the many†countering the “aggression and criminality from a few†demonstrates this approach. There are also conversations to be had about the treatment of British citizens who aren’t white and how they are viewed in the U.K. Considering that most of the citizens of the Commonwealth, that the King is the head of, are not white, how the U.K. looks on the world stage when it comes to its treatment of its non-white citizens is crucial.
Beyond public statements and community engagement, the Royal Family may need to consider addressing the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to unrest. This could involve supporting policy reforms, investing in community development initiatives, and working to address issues such as inequality and lack of economic opportunity. The King's long-standing work in community cohesion and interfaith relations provides a foundation for this approach.
Once the riots subside and some sort of normality returns, an appropriate opportunity may arise for the King to directly show his concern and support for the impacted communities, potentially through visits to affected areas.
The monarchy's handling of recent events, meanwhile, comes after a survey earlier this year showed historic lows in support for the monarchy. A in April found only 29% of Britons considering the monarchy "very important." This decline reflects a long-term trend, with 45% of respondents indicating that the monarchy should be abolished or is not important. The public's perception has been further affected by controversies such as Prince Andrew's resignation from public life following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which has eroded trust in the institution.
As the monarchy adapts to a changing social and political landscape, its role in modern Britain continues to evolve. King Charles III's reign has been marked more by continuity than transformation, with changes in style rather than substance. The King has focused on building bridges at home and abroad, embracing the role of diplomat-in-chief.
However, there are increasing demands for the palace to address issues such as staff diversity and the monarchy's historical role in slavery and imperialism. The institution faces pressure to become more accountable and transparent, particularly regarding Royal spending.
The monarchy's response to recent crises has highlighted the need for improved crisis management strategies. The handling of situations like Prince Andrew's scandal and the Princess of Wales’ health crisis and stepping back from public life has demonstrated the importance of effective public relations. As the institution navigates complex issues, it must learn to better manage public perceptions and maintain confidence. The monarchy's ability to adapt its communication strategies and address societal concerns will be crucial in determining its future relevance and role in British society.
The ongoing riots in the U.K. have brought the role of the monarchy into sharp focus, especially regarding its response to national crises. King Charles III's approach, characterized by private engagement and a lack of public statements, has sparked debate about the monarch's role in fostering unity during turbulent times. This situation has an impact on public trust and highlights the need to strike a balance between royal tradition and meeting the expectations of a modern society. Looking ahead, the monarchy faces challenges to adapt its communication strategies and address societal concerns. The institution's ability to navigate complex issues and maintain relevance in British society will be crucial.
As the situation stabilizes, there may be opportunities for the Royal Family to engage more directly with affected communities, potentially through visits to impacted areas. This approach could help to rebuild trust and demonstrate the monarchy's commitment to addressing the root causes of social unrest.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh got into a heated exchange in the House of Commons on Thursday, just minutes after Singh announced his party would not be supporting the Conservatives' first non-confidence motion against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.
The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.
Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.
B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was shot by the RCMP after allegedly barricading herself in a room with a toddler early Thursday morning.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tapped Treasury Board President Anita Anand to take on additional duties as Canada's minister of transport on Thursday.
CTV News has learned there are multiple Canadian women alleging they were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the late Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has lost 205 firearms since 2020, including more than 120 handguns and at least five fully automatic weapons like machine-guns.
Shohei Ohtani became the first major league player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers star going deep twice to reach the half-century mark and swiping two bags to get to 51 against the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is calling on the Bloc Quebecois to topple the Trudeau government next Wednesday and trigger a federal election.
B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was shot by the RCMP after allegedly barricading herself in a room with a toddler early Thursday morning.
Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.
Friends and strangers have set up a makeshift memorial outside the home of a five-year-old boy who was found dead yesterday in Coteau-du-lac.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has lost 205 firearms since 2020, including more than 120 handguns and at least five fully automatic weapons like machine-guns.
The lawyer for a B.C. RCMP officer convicted of obstruction for telling a witness to delete cellphone video following the violent 2017 arrest of Dale Culver has requested a stay of proceedings.
The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.
A federal law enforcement agency confirmed it's opened an investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after he allegedly cut off the head of a dead whale and took it home two decades ago.
A judge in a rural Kentucky county was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers Thursday, and the local sheriff was charged with murder, police said.
Israel warned U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in a call Tuesday that a military operation was going to take place in Lebanon but gave no details, U.S. officials said Thursday. The same day of the call, in an attack widely blamed on Israel, thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah militants exploded.
A 22-year-old woman who became an abortion rights advocate after she was raped by her stepfather as a child tells her story in a new campaign ad for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
South Korea’s government, western countries and adoption agencies worked in tandem to supply some 200,000 Korean children to parents overseas, despite years of evidence they were being procured through questionable or downright unscrupulous means, an investigation led by The Associated Press found.
Israeli security services said on Thursday they had arrested an Israeli citizen on suspicion of involvement in an Iranian-backed assassination plot targeting prominent people including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The head of Via Rail repeatedly told MPs a train delay over the Labour Day long weekend was an isolated incident, despite a similar event two years ago.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh got into a heated exchange in the House of Commons on Thursday, just minutes after Singh announced his party would not be supporting the Conservatives' first non-confidence motion against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tapped Treasury Board President Anita Anand to take on additional duties as Canada's minister of transport on Thursday.
Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden, will donate his brain to research.
Manitobans are getting another reminder of how long wait times are for diagnostic images.
A new strain of the virus is spreading, largely through skin-to-skin contact, including but not limited to sex. A lack of funds, vaccines and information is making it difficult to stem the spread, according to alarmed disease experts.
Thanks to a special Texas law, NASA's Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the two veteran astronauts, will still be able to perform their civic duty, voting absentee from low-Earth orbit for the U.S. election in November.
Lebanese authorities on Thursday banned walkie-talkies and pagers from being taken on flights from Beirut airport, the National News Agency reported, after thousands of such devices exploded during a deadly attack on Hezbollah this week.
NASA scientists have successfully replicated spider-like shapes found on the surface of Mars in a laboratory setting for the first time.
Lawyers representing the producers of 'Russians at War' say they may pursue legal action against Ontario's public broadcaster for pulling support for the controversial documentary amid outcry from the Ukrainian community and some Canadian politicians.
Viewers of Jeopardy got a chance to test their knowledge of trivia about B.C.'s biggest city Wednesday night.
British actress Florence Pugh has revealed that shaving her head for her latest movie role was a 'really bizarre' experience that sent her body 'into a bit of trauma.'
A case involving stolen funds from a Saskatchewan business being used to purchase cryptocurrency will be heading back to the courts, thanks to a new decision by Saskatchewan's Court of Appeal.
Nike Inc. said Thursday it has named Elliott Hill as its president and CEO, replacing John Donahoe, who will retire next month.
Maple Leaf Foods asserted its innocence in an alleged bread price-fixing scheme ahead of a hearing to determine whether it will be added to an ongoing class-action lawsuit.
Only one Toronto restaurant earned a Michelin star this year, but it is not a first for the chef who brought the establishment to stardom.
They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.
For most people, dinner on a cruise ship is a time to relax. But when influencer couple Abby and Matt Howard decided to kick back with a dinner à deux, they ended up kicking up a storm.
Shohei Ohtani became the first major league player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers star going deep twice to reach the half-century mark and swiping two bags to get to 51 against the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko says he's been working his way back from a rare lower-body muscle injury since being sidelined in last season's playoffs.
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette returned to the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a right middle finger fracture.
Video of a brazen daylight auto theft which shows a suspect running over a victim in a stolen luxury SUV has been released by police west of Toronto.
The plant was expected to produce batteries for a million electric vehicles a year. Once up and running, it was supposed to create hundreds of permanent jobs in a small southeastern Ontario municipality. But two years later, spending on the construction of the Umicore plant has been delayed in what the company calls a "significant worsening of the EV market context."
A Winnipeg man is asking for help after a classic car that has been a part of his family since the 1950s was stolen from his garage.
They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.
Paleontologists from the Royal B.C. Museum have uncovered "a trove of extraordinary fossils" high in the mountains of northern B.C., the museum announced Thursday.
The search for a missing ancient 28-year-old chocolate donkey ended with a tragic discovery Wednesday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is celebrating an important milestone in the organization's history: 50 years since the first women joined the force.
It's been a whirlwind of joyful events for a northern Ontario couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot last month.
A Good Samaritan in New Brunswick has replaced a man's stolen bottle cart so he can continue to collect cans and bottles in his Moncton neighbourhood.
David Krumholtz, known for roles like Bernard the Elf in The Santa Clause and physicist Isidor Rabi in Oppenheimer, has spent the latter part of his summer filming horror flick Altar in Winnipeg. He says Winnipeg is the most movie-savvy town he's ever been in.
Edmontonians can count themselves lucky to ever see one tiger salamander, let alone the thousands one local woman says recently descended on her childhood home.
A daytrip to the backcountry turned into a frightening experience for a Vancouver couple this weekend.
B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was shot by the RCMP after allegedly barricading herself in a room with a toddler early Thursday morning.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Vancouver, Ginny Lam says her mom Yat Hei Law made it very clear she favoured her son William, because he was her male heir.
The 'Namgis First Nation says a fish farm it owns near Port McNeill shows the potential of land-based aquaculture in B.C.
Toronto police say a driver who crashed into a house in the city’s west end early Friday morning has been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.
Toronto police are asking for the public's help in identifying one of the suspected shooters in Tuesday's fatal double shooting in North York.
A pedestrian has been seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in North York.
We've produced a special webcast edition of CTV News Calgary for Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
The Parole Board of Canada says a man who assaulted a young pregnant woman and left her for dead remains too dangerous to be released into the community.
A Vulcan, Alta., man has been charged with a Lethbridge woman's murder after her body was found in the Oyen area.
Police say a man who was taken to hospital in critical condition after being shot Thursday night has died.
A byelection was called for the Bay of Quinte riding less than a week after Progressive Conservative MPP Todd Smith, Ontario's education minister at the time, resigned his seat in August.
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is calling on the Bloc Quebecois to topple the Trudeau government next Wednesday and trigger a federal election.
A harrowing video has been presented to a jury at the trial of three men facing first-degree murder charges.
The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.
Five bison are dead at Elk Island National Park east of Edmonton following an early Thursday morning collision.
An Edmonton man who is charged with sexually assaulting a teen boy is a member of the Alberta sheriffs, CTV News Edmonton has confirmed.
The mayor of Fort Saskatchewan apologized on Thursday for comments she made earlier this week about killing feral cats.
Gas prices increased in all three Maritime provinces for the first time in more than a month.
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has called for a provincial election. Voters will go to the polls on Oct. 21, as prescribed by the province's fixed-date election law.
Police are asking people to avoid the Dartmouth Commons area in Dartmouth, N.S., as they assist with a wildlife call for a bear.
Manitobans are continuing to mop up after a deluge of rain hit southern Manitoba earlier in the week.
Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.
A Winnipeg pet rescue is putting out a warning to dog owners across the city about a possible parvovirus in the province.
A social media post of purple apples “growing†in Saskatchewan has sparked a lot of attention. However, garden experts say there's no such thing.
A case involving stolen funds from a Saskatchewan business being used to purchase cryptocurrency will be heading back to the courts, thanks to a new decision by Saskatchewan's Court of Appeal.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has confirmed a tornado touched down Wednesday evening near Langbank, Sask.
Amber and Adam Brueckner have a pool-shaped hole in their backyard – and their wallets.
New details have been shared about a missing family that was last seen on Sept. 1 in Kitchener, Ont.
Police are trying to identify a man who approached a woman and child in Wellesley.
A gym teacher at a private Christian school in Saskatoon has been charged. Terra MacEwan, 44, is charged with assault with a weapon. A Saskatoon mother who spoke with CTV News says her autistic son was MacEwan's victim.
Thomas Hamp says he believed secret police were out to kidnap, torture, and kill him when he fatally stabbed his girlfriend Emily Sanche in February of 2022.
A social media post of purple apples “growing†in Saskatchewan has sparked a lot of attention. However, garden experts say there's no such thing.
They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.
As northern Ontario gets ready to welcome autumn this weekend, it’s still feeling a lot like summer as provincial forest fire crews continue to battle blazes.
James Bay Ontario Provincial Police have charged four commercial vehicle drivers with impaired, including one who was hauling 36,000 kilograms of ammonia hydrate.
Police were focusing their attention on the northeast corner of Richmond and Horton, with members of the emergency response unit taking up positions at the scene.
Shedden, southwest of London, hasn’t changed much in decades – but word is spreading that hundreds of new residents could soon be calling the town home.
A Woodstock homeowner says she’s at her wit’s end over a homeless encampment situated alongside her backyard. She’s calling on the city to do more to help those living rough, so she can live in peace.
Two men from Barrie have been charged after a deadly shooting at a park in Keswick on Wednesday.
A growing group of brides and wedding photographers from across the province say they have been taken for tens of thousands of dollars by a Barrie, Ont. wedding photographer.
A 32-year-old man is facing charges after police say his vehicle struck a child in an Owen Sound intersection.
The Windsor Police Service (WPS) has seized over $56,000 in drugs and have arrested one suspect.
SERVEONE Canada, a global procurement solution company, has begun Canadian operations in Tecumseh.
Enrolment may be down at St. Clair College, but President Mike Silvaggi isn’t bothered.
In a rare move, the Greater Victoria School District Board of Education has been slapped with a ministerial order from the province requiring it to update a student safety plan – drawing concern around political posturing leading up to an election.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities is asking the provincial government to make transit free for teenagers.
To appreciate why Mimi Vandermolen is so pleased to notice one particular vehicle she’s walking past, you need to know that seeing this many cars in one place would have been unimaginable when she was growing-up in the post-war Netherlands.
A pair of runaway pigs are in the custody of an animal sanctuary in the Okanagan after evading police and volunteers for hours earlier this week.
The Red Bridge, a historic landmark in Kamloops, B.C., was completely destroyed by fire early Thursday morning.
Animal protection officers in British Columbia have rescued three pit bulls – including one that gave birth to 10 puppies – from a rat-infested home in Kelowna.
A Vulcan, Alta., man has been charged with a Lethbridge woman's murder after her body was found in the Oyen area.
A Lethbridge couple got a good reminder as to why you should keep your vehicle doors locked at all times.
Lethbridge residents who live near the police range can expect to hear plenty of shots fired Wednesday and Thursday.
A new community health profile in the Algoma District shows the area is significantly below provincial averages in a number of health metrics.
North Bay Police Service says one person has died following an industrial accident at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Rail Yard on Tuesday.
Three northern Ontario residents are charged with drug trafficking after the vehicle they were in got stuck along a bush road off Highway 17 on Monday.
Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer is monitoring the rise of whooping cough infections across the province as cases of the highly contagious disease continue to grow across Canada.
A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.
Jim Lester’s farm hopped on the cow-cuddling trend in early August, and his time slots have been pretty well sold out ever since.
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
