King Charles tells Prime Minister Keir Starmer he is encouraged by the way Britain’s ‘compassionate community spirit’ has ‘countered the aggression and criminality’ from racist thugs who rioted after the Southport stabbings

The King spoke to the Prime Minister tonight in the wake of the rioting that has riven the nation and told him that he has been encouraged by the way in which ‘community spirit…had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.’

The monarch, who is currently on holiday at his Birkhall home in Scotland but has continued to work and been updated daily on the recent unrest, also spoke to police chiefs about the strain their officers have been under.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said tonight: ‘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.’

While details of such calls are normally recorded in the court circular, the official record of royal engagements, it is unusual for so much detail to be given and underlines the seriousness of the national crisis.

King Charles has voiced his support for ordinary Brits pushing back against the ‘aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many’ 

Thugs during a far-right anti-immigration protest in Rotherham on August 4

The spokesman added of the conversations: ‘In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder.

‘Additionally, The King shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.

‘It remains His Majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.’

Earlier this week the Mail reported that Charles, 75, had been keeping a keen eye on unfolding events but would not be speaking publicly given the extreme political discourse around them.

However he hopes to visit affected communities in the coming weeks and months to speak to police and local leaders.

Any such visit would only take place when it does not place an additional burden on frontline services at a time when they are so stretched.

It is also anticipated that the King will address the issues more directly and express his concern for affected communities once the circumstances are right.

While there have been calls for the King to make a public statement, it has been noted that the late Queen chose not to make a public comment in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 riots.

As is usual the monarch would only say anything on government advice.