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)
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)