KING CHARLES made an appeal for unity in "uncertain times", as the 76-year-old monarch emerges as a key figure in the UK's diplomatic drive over Ukraine.
Britain and European countries have been scrambling to present a united front following US president Donald Trump's sudden withdrawal of support for Ukraine three years into Russia's invasion.
By tradition, the UK head of state's role is politically neutral. But in recent days, Charles has hosted Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at his private estate and invited Trump for an historic second state visit.
On Monday (10), Charles will deliver a message for Commonwealth Day, which celebrates the 56-nation club of mostly former British colonies.
According to extracts published late on Saturday (8), Charles -- who heads the Commonwealth -- said nations' differences should be a "source of strength".
"In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship."
"The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today."
Earlier on Saturday, prime minister Keir Starmer said that Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese was considering joining a group of countries prepared to protect an eventual ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
British officials have held talks with around 20 countries interested in being part of the so-called "coalition of the willing," a UK official said.
The official refused to name the nations but said they were "largely European and Commonwealth partners".
Starmer now seeks to smooth tensions between the US, Europe and Ukraine, and the monarch has become an important figure in the diplomacy.
(Agencies)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)