A political commentator has praised King Charles’ Christmas speech for making people “proud to be British” after His Majesty sparked debate by addressing the summer riots in several towns.
Speaking on GB News, Jonathan Lis commended the King for tackling the sensitive topic head-on, despite it being a political issue.
The King delivered his annual message from London’s Fitzrovia Chapel, where he spoke about communities coming together “not to repeat these behaviours, but to repair” following the unrest.
Jonathan Lis told GB News that diversity is “fantastic” and suggested the King could have gone further by assembling “the United colours of Britain behind him”.
Jonathan Lis told GB News that diversity is “fantastic”
GB News
He said: “My view is that diversity is fantastic. I think the King should have assembled the United colours of Britain behind him.
“So it was someone from every different colour just behind him to represent the greatness of Britain’s diversity.
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“I think that would that would have really got people going, that would have made people proud to be British.
“On a serious note, I thought it was a really good thing that he talked about the riots because this is obviously a political topic.
“Obviously he’s not meant to be a political figure, but I thought it was important to address it head-on, which he did, and I think he did it in a clever way, which isn’t to kind of talk about the origin of the riots of the Southport stabbings or the misinformation, all that stuff.
“It wasn’t even to talk about the perpetrators of the violence. Particularly it was to talk about what happened afterwards, which I think everyone can get behind, about how people did come together to kind of to to rebuild things and to rebuild trust.
The monarch reflected that while previous commemorations allowed people to think such tragic events were rare in the modern era, today’s reality presents a different picture.PA
“I think that’s a really important message.”
Emily Carver said: “He could have spoken about the Winter Fuel payments.”
Patrick Christys questioned whether the speech was “too woke”.
In his speech, the King specifically highlighted how communities responded to the summer unrest by focusing on rebuilding relationships.
“I felt a deep sense of pride here in the United Kingdom when, in response to anger and lawlessness in several towns this summer, communities came together,” the King said.
The King’s message extended beyond domestic issues to emphasise broader themes of unity and gratitude.
In his message, the King spoke of the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East
PA
He offered “special, heartfelt thanks” to healthcare workers who supported him and other Royal Family members through illness this year.
The location’s connection to healthcare held particular significance, as both the King and Princess of Wales underwent cancer treatment this year.
The monarch highlighted the Commonwealth’s strength through diversity, reflecting on his recent South Pacific visit.
“Across the Commonwealth, we are held together by a willingness to listen to each other, to learn from one another,” the King said.
His speech also acknowledged global conflicts, expressing concern for those facing the “devastating effects of conflict” in the Middle East, Central Europe, and Africa.