What you really need to know about that King Charles' 'statement on Iran and Donald Trump' video
A video has been circulating online...A video on social media appearing to show King Charles making a statement on the recent developments about Iran in a speech, have duped royal fans.
The clip is doing the rounds and to some, may seem believable.
However, as the monarch, Charles rarely makes political statements, as members of the royal family – especially the king – must be politically neutral, so the Iran ‘statement’ or speech, is not real.
We dive into how we got here, and the times His Majesty has broken ‘royal protocol’ with his speeches.
King Charles ‘speech’ about Iran didn’t happen – he didn’t make a statement
President Donald Trump announced over the weekend the US had carried out ‘successful’ attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran. It marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Israel launched a surprise attack on the country’s nuclear and military targets on June 13. It said they wanted to dismantle their nuclear programme. Iran responded by launching hundreds of rockets and drones at the country, and the two countries have exchanged strikes ever since.
The UK, alongside France and Germany, have called for Iran to avoid retaliating, which could destabilise the Middle East – but King Charles made no such speech or statement. For the UK, it came from a joint statement from British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanual Macron.
Why do people think King Charles spoke about Iran?
A video on social media is being shared, which appears to show King Charles giving a statement about the recent conflict in the Middle East.
It shows him sitting in a dark room, as he speaks for a moment. But the clip then features no more footage of the monarch and only shows stock photos. Another tell-tale sign King Charles’ speech on Iran isn’t real, is that there is no official statement from Buckingham Palace or the royal family’s official social media profiles.
The fake video claims King Charles said in his statement: “When Donald Trump says Iran can be erased, when generals whisper about bunker busters and tactical firepower, and when Israel’s glow with the sparks of retaliation. I do not stay silent, I will not let the world be dragged into chaos by those who speak louder than they think.
“Mr Trump, this is not a game of missiles. This is the fate of millions. And to those who cheer from the sidelines, know this: every threat you make echoes far beyond your bodes and every move you make pulls this world closer to a fire.
“We may not survive but Britain, Britain knows war. We’ve stood at the end of destruction before and we did not flinch. We’ve seen bombs fall, cities burn, kings flee. But we never bowed.
“Now once again the world teeters and I say we will not be dragged by ego. We will not follow fury if forced to rise, we will rise with fire in our chest and steel in our voice.
“To my people stand tall to the world, look to Britain not for war but for wisdom.”
Times when the monarch has spoken out against conflict
Now, while King Charles has to remain politically neutral – hence why he is hesitant to release a statement or speech about Iran – he has gone against this in the past.
It’s rare, but it does happen.
His Majesty released a statement over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the first and second anniversaries.
On the second year, he said: “The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year.”
He added: “I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need. My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.”
Read more: Strict rules the royal family follows – from heirs travelling apart to avoiding shellfish
Royal’s political statements
Other examples include when he recently visited Canada, where he opened State Parliament with a speech.
King Charles quoted the national anthem of the Commonwealth nation towards the end of his speech, which some viewed as a reference to the ongoing discussions with President Donald Trump. He said the “true north is strong free”, which was said to be in response to Trump claiming Canada can become the ’51st state’ of America.
During post-Brexit negotiations over the Northern Ireland Protocol, the king faced criticism for meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. Commentators said it was inappropriate before the deal was finalised.
Then, in his first Christmas speech as monarch in 2022, he referenced the cost of living crisis. He offered support to individuals who were struggling across the country. Although he carefully only applauded the charitable side of the crisis, the issues the UK faced was linked to political policy.
Why can’t King Charles make a speech about Iran?
As monarch, King Charles is constitutionally bound to remain politically neutral.
This is why when he gives his speeches, say for the opening of parliaments, they are mostly dictated by the government of that time, and not the monarch himself.
But, while he was the Prince of Wales, he didn’t always refrain from speaking his mind. He told the BBC in 2018, for his 70th birthday, he is “not that stupid” and understood that when he ascended to the throne, he would have to be mindful when expressing opinion.
He said at the time: “Clearly, I won’t be able to do the same things I’ve done as heir. So, of course, you operate within the constitutional parameters. But it’s a different function. I think people have forgotten that the two are very different.”
Read more: Real reason King Charles’ and the royal family changed their surname 65 years ago
Were you duped by the video of King Charles’ giving a speech about Iran? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
