Britain’s Charles III urges nations to embrace differences as source of strength – Firstpost

Britain’s King Charles III issued a call for unity in “uncertain times” on Saturday, as the 76-year-old monarch emerges as a prominent role in the UK’s diplomatic push over Ukraine.

Following US President Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of support for Ukraine three years into Russia’s invasion, Britain and other European nations have scrambled to show a unified front.

The function of the head of state in the United Kingdom has always been politically neutral.  However, in recent days, Charles has received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his private home and invited Trump on a historic second state visit.

On Monday, Charles will give a statement in honour of Commonwealth Day, which is observed by 56 nations, the majority of which are former British colonies.

According to extracts published late on Saturday, 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.”

Earlier on Saturday, British leader 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 on Thursday.

The official refused to name the nations but said they were “largely European and Commonwealth partners”.

Charles’ message is set to be published in full on Monday.