King Charles appears in good spirits as he drives a waving Queen Camilla to a service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral – after speaking out about riots

The King appeared in good spirits on Sunday as he drove Queen Camilla to a church service near Balmoral after speaking out about the high levels of unrest in the UK. 

Charles, 75, and Camilla, 77, were heading to Crathie Kirk – a regular place of worship for the royal family while staying at their summer residence in Scotland. 

Charles is currently on his summer break but has been updated daily on the unrest in the country and recently spoke out to praise people’s ‘resilience’ in countering aggression. 

He appeared in a good mood as he and Camilla made the short drive to the church, raising his hand from the steering wheel to wave. 

Camilla herself appeared cheerful and also waved to onlookers, while being smartly turned out in a formal hat.  

The church is also where Princess Anne married Sir Timothy Laurence in 1992 after opting to wed in Scotland. 

Balmoral was the favourite home of the late Queen Elizabeth and where she died in September 2022. She spent three months every summer at the Scottish castle. 

The King has decided to continue the tradition – and the trip comes as a well-earned break for the monarch after returning to public duties amid his ongoing treatment for cancer. 

The King has praised ordinary Brits who rose up against far-right hate in the wake of the Southport stabbings, praising the way in which ‘the aggression and criminality from a few’ had been met by ‘the compassion and resilience of the many’.

He appeared in a good mood as he and Camilla made the short drive to the church, raising his hand from the steering wheel to wave

Charles, 75, and Camilla, 77, were heading to Crathie Kirk – a regular place of worship for the royal family while staying at their summer residence in Scotland

He spoke warmly of the ‘many examples of community spirit’ that have thwarted attempts to instil hate and fear in communities across Britain during a call with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the wake of the rioting.

He also spoke to police chiefs about the strain their officers have been under as more than 100 are thought to have been injured attempting to keep the peace amid hate riots stoked online by the far-right. 

Charles is understood to have been monitoring events for a number of days.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said his calls with the Prime Minister and police leaders came after a series of ‘private calls throughout the week concerning recent events – and in particular the impact they have had on affected communities’.

King Charles has voiced his support for ordinary Brits pushing back against the ‘aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many’ 

Thugs during a far-right anti-immigration protest in Rotherham on August 4

A thousands-strong anti-racism protest in Walthamstow, where far-right thugs had reportedly intended to assemble outside an immigration office on Wednesday

The King has praised the resilience of those who turned out to counter far-right and racist hatred that spilled onto the streets, engineered by online bile

The monarch spoke to police chiefs as well as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (seen here visiting Solihull on Thursday)

While details of such calls are normally recorded in the court circular, the official record of royal engagements, it is unusual for so much detail to be given and underlines the seriousness of the national crisis. 

The Palace spokesperson continued: ‘This evening The King held a phone audience with the Prime Minister, and additionally had a joint call with the Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex.

‘In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder.

‘Additionally, The King shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.

‘It remains His Majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.’

Earlier this week the Mail reported that Charles had been keeping a keen eye on unfolding events but would not be speaking publicly given the extreme political discourse around them.

He hopes to visit affected communities in the coming weeks and months to speak to police and local leaders.

Any such visit would only take place when it does not place an additional burden on frontline services at a time when they are so stretched.

King Charles was photographed battling a gust of wind while exiting a Church service at Caithness in Scotland

In one image, one churchgoer appears to hand the monarch a gift, after which they are both seen beaming and erupting with laughter

There were calls for the King to make a public statement after the severe unrest broke out across the country. 

Last week King Charles battled a gust of wind while exiting a Church service at Caithness in Scotland. 

His Majesty attended the Canisbay Parish Church near the Castle of Mey. 

Although the monarch’s outfit of a brown thick tweed jacket, matching waistcoat and kilt were appropriate for the unpredictable temperatures; it appears the strong weather got the best of him, forcing him to steady himself.

At one point the King – who is continuing to receive cancer treatment – was pictured grabbing the back of his head in an apparent attempt to ground both his hair and himself.

The moment made for a slightly comical one as the parish priest and surrounding guests lit up with laughter while the King was almost swept away.

Although the monarch’s outfit of a brown thick tweed jacket, matching waistcoat and checkered kilt were appropriate for the unpredictable temperatures; it appears the strong weather got the best of him, forcing him to steady himself

For the service he donned a traditional Scottish kilt in red, brown and green tartan.

To accompany the look he sported a checkered red and brown blazer and waistcoat, along with with a stripy tie and thick green knee-high socks.

Despite the ferocious wind knocking him back a step, he appeared delighted and even paused to speak with the parish priest and various guests.

In one image, one churchgoer appears to hand the monarch a gift, after which they are both seen beaming and erupting with laughter.