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

The monarch has been 'greatly encouraged' by the 'compassion and resilience of the many' amid violent unrest, his spokesman said

King Charles is 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 Scotland for the royal family's traditional late-summer retreat, and it's understood that he has made private calls about the issue. The unrest erupted after three children were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in Southport, England, on July 29.

Misinformation on social media about the identity of the attacker and anti-immigration rhetoric pushed by far-right activists have fueled the unrest. Charles has faced criticism for his delayed response to the rioting and racism.

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."

"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," the statement continued.

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"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," 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 did Prince William and Kate 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 and Queen Camilla were "profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident" and sent their thoughts to everyone affected.

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"We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack," the sovereign said.

The attack in Southport sparked a wave of "the worst unrest the UK has seen in more than a decade," the BBC reported on Aug. 9, "fuelled by misinformation online, the far-right and anti-immigration sentiment." The outlet said on Aug. 8 that the other children injured in the attack, in which two adults were also harmed, have been discharged from the hospital.

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.

Around 600 arrests were made by Aug. 9, with over 150 people charged, the BBC said, citing Police Federation Chair Tiffany Lynch as saying over 100 police officers have been hurt.

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