King Charles III's delay in responding to far right protests and rioting in Britain has drawn criticism, as reports suggest the royal has requested to be kept informed about developments by the U.K's new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Anti-immigration protests have led to riots and looting in areas of Britain after three children were killed in a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29. Misinformation on social media about the identity of the attacker and anti-immigration rhetoric pushed by far-right activists have helped stoke the unrest.
Police have arrested over 100 people connected with the riots, with the prime minister saying on Tuesday that those involved would "feel the full force of the law" and that this should "send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week."
While the prime minister has spoken publicly about the matter on a number of occasions, so far Buckingham Palace and King Charles have yet to issue any statement.
The monarch did express grief and concern after the stabbings in Southport but has not addressed the rioting or anti-immigration unrest which has developed since then.
This, historian Kate Williams told Times Radio on Wednesday has raised concerns.
"This is an outbreak of violence that's getting worse, it's not abating," she said. "And we are seeing that people are terrified. There are cities tonight that are going to be gripped by this racist violence, by this anti-Islamic violence. It's just terrible and I think this is the moment where the monarchy does need to come out and say something."
"I do think that something should be said on behalf of the royal family, expressing sympathy with those who have lost their livelihoods, those who are living in fear," she continued. "Do we need to get to the point where we've got people dying? Because I think that people do look to the monarchy and they do want to know what the monarchy thinks."
Royal commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams, told Newsweek that in a sensitive and politically-linked situation such as this, the king will be acting on the advice of (and in line with) the prime minister and the government at No. 10 Downing Street.
"King Charles has asked to be kept informed about the riots which have been so appalling an example of racist thuggery," he said. "The king is in Scotland on holiday whilst receiving treatment for cancer, but he is a pivotal symbol of national unity. He will also undoubtedly also be concerned at the hit Britain's reputation has taken abroad after this sudden spasm of perversity.
"Clearly, Buckingham Palace will be liaising with Downing Street about any public royal response...The monarch will act on advice. This is likely, once the security situation is considered under control, to involve visiting areas which have been affected. This would undoubtedly raise spirits. As Prince of Wales he visited Tottenham immediately after the 2011 riots and several times thereafter."
Newsweek approached Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street via email for comment.
The 2011 riots in Britain were sparked when police shot and killed a 29-year-old Black man, Mark Duggan, during an arrest in North London. After clashes with the local community five days of rioting and looting took place that resulted in the deaths of five people. According to reports, the riots resulted in over 3,000 arrests and caused in excess of £400 million ($507 million) of damage.
Queen Elizabeth II did not issue a statement about the riots although members of the royal family undertook visits to the local communities affected around Britain.
Charles and Queen Camilla (as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall) visited Tottenham, where the riots began, 13 days after Duggan was killed.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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