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LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

King mourns 'heartbreaking' losses in Middle East

King Charles making a heartfelt plea for religious tolerance and mutual respect in the midst of ongoing international turmoil in Israel and Gaza.

19 October 2023 · 02:22 UTC

During a speech at Mansion House in the City of London, the King expressed sorrow over the loss of life and emphasized his long-standing support for building bridges between different faiths. He also highlighted the importance of humor and self-irony as part of the national character.


The King called for civility and tolerance in political discourse, cautioned against the divisive nature of social media, and stressed the need for respect between different faiths and cultures. He mentioned his recent interactions with leaders like King Abdullah II of Jordan, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis following the Hamas attack on Israel.

Furthermore, the King advocated for a "breathing space" for free thought and speech and encouraged disputes to be passionate but not hostile. He expressed his commitment to protecting the space for faith and condemned the vilification of public institutions and public servants.

The event at Mansion House marked the symbolic transition of power as the new monarch engaged in a traditional ceremony with the City of London, emphasizing mutual respect between the monarchy and the city's historical authority.