Displaying items by tag: King Charles

Commonwealth leaders are preparing to challenge the UK on the issue of slavery reparations at their upcoming summit, despite Downing Street's insistence that reparatory justice is not on the official agenda. Diplomatic sources say that Commonwealth officials are negotiating an agreement to begin meaningful conversations about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. This could leave the UK facing significant financial reparations, with some estimates suggesting it owes over £18 trillion to Caribbean nations alone. Frederick Mitchell, foreign minister of the Bahamas, emphasised the need for an apology and acknowledged that reparations go beyond money, highlighting the importance of respect and recognition of past wrongs. Caribbean leaders have intensified their calls for reparations, but the UK government maintains its position against paying them, focusing instead on present-day challenges, such as climate change. King Charles has expressed regret over colonial wrongdoings but stopped short of an apology. The issue is expected to become a central focus at the next Commonwealth summit in 2026.

Queen Camilla was visibly moved during the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth, where she joined King Charles and Prince William. The event was deeply emotional, particularly when Navy veteran Eric Bateman shared his harrowing experiences from Utah Beach. Both Camilla and Charles were seen fighting back tears as they listened to the veterans' stories. The King praised the courage and sacrifice of the wartime generation, while Prince William honoured the bravery of those who participated in D-Day and their enduring legacy.

Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles, aged 75, has been diagnosed with cancer. The cancer (the type has not been disclosed) was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate. As a result, the King has started 'regular treatments' and has put his public duties on hold, though he remains optimistic about his recovery and eager to resume full duties as soon as possible. The King personally informed his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about his diagnosis. Despite stepping back from public engagements, he will continue his constitutional duties, including weekly telephone meetings with Rishi Sunak. Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward will cover some of his duties. The King has been vocal about his condition to raise awareness and encourage cancer screenings.

On October 26th Canadian parliamentarians voted no to severing ties with the monarchy, after Yves-Francois Blanchet introduced a motion that sparked conversation in the House of Commons about the monarchy. His move follows 14 recently elected Quebec politicians refusing to recite an oath of allegiance to the King as required by Canadian law. Many Quebecers are in favour of Canada being a republic rather than a constitutional monarchy - a sentiment that is tied to the province's history of being a French-speaking region that was once under British colonial rule. Over the years Quebec politicians have continued to put forward policies that seek to define the province as distinct from English Canada. When tabling his motion Mr Blanchet said Canada's tie to the British Crown is ‘archaic.’ Opinion polls following Queen Elizabeth’s death found 79% of Quebec agreed they should sever their ties with the Crown.

Father, we ask You to give the King knowledge of Your ways; may Your Spirit guide all his decisions. May he rule with righteousness and justice. In his days may the United Kingdom flourish and peace abound. May he lead with a servant's heart and humility. And should his tasks and agendas appear to be overwhelming, Father, give him strength from heaven so that the role of leadership never tires him. May he not rely on himself but rely on You. Your Word reminds us that we can do all things through You who strengthens us. Therefore, Lord, we pray that King Charles will freely trust and lean on You. May he realise that You see things better than he ever will, and that he can do all things through Christ. Father, please help him to uphold our laws and rule with compassion and understanding in every situation.