King Charles issues warning in Manchester over the 'ghastliness of social media'
Manchester was shaken by an attack earlier this monthKing Charles has issued a warning over the “ghastliness of social media” during a visit to Manchester.
The king, 76, travelled to the city on Monday (October 20), to show his support to those affected by a horrific October 2 attack.
King Charles’ visit comes amid a turbulent time for the royal family as his brother, Prince Andrew, is embroiled by scandal. Last week, Andrew announced he would no longer use his Duke of York title. It comes amid allegations of sexual assault against him – accusations he has always denied – and his association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘deeply shocked’ by Manchester attack
On Monday, the king stepped out for an emotional engagement.
At the start of this month, an incident occurred outside a synagogue in Manchester.
The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism. A man drove a car into a group of pedestrians and then attacked worshippers with a knife outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Three people were killed in the incident, including the attacker and a worshipper, who are believed to have been shot dead by police. Three other people were wounded.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident.
Following the tragedy, King Charles issued a statement on October 2.
“My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community,” the king said, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
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King shows his support
During his emotional outing on Monday, King Charles also visited the Greater Manchester Police headquarters.
He met with emergency services personnel who responded to the attack. Among them were police officers, fire officers and ambulance staff.
The monarch also paid a visit to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Here, he paid his respects at an memorial next to the synagogue. He then met with members of the local Jewish community.
He offered his support to some of those who had been present during the incident, telling them: “I can’t tell you how sad I am.”
His Majesty also spoke to a group of faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities, about the need to find commonality between religions.
“The terrible thing is [it’s] so much the thing of the ghastliness of social media. It’s very hard,” the monarch said, as reported by The Telegraph. He also highlighted the need to “deradicalise people”.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, reportedly said of the visit: “It’s made an incredible difference. The fact that the king is here so soon after, particularly on the day when children are returning to school in the community.”
“The reassurance that his visit has brought is massive and hugely appreciated,” he continued. “He has a connection with people, he has a warmth, everybody has told me they couldn’t have been more delighted to see him.”
Read more: King Charles’ ‘threat’ to brother Prince Andrew before royal title announcement
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