The King has continually shown his support for the Ukrainian people during the war, and inviting Zelensky to Sandringham proves it, Royal Editor Russell Myers writes

If ever there were a demonstration of what purpose the King’s role holds, then look no further.

For here is soft diplomacy in action. The envy of nations around the world and a picture, or two, that spoke more words than were probably uttered in a meeting lasting an hour. In light of events in recent days, where US president Donald Trump and his cronies disgraced themselves on the world stage, this was a welcome befitting of the time and a country that everyone else is rooting for.

No suit required on this occasion, at least for the guest invited to spend time with the monarch after a week of bruising and emotional encounters. For the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, his request to see King Charles speaks volumes of the type of man the sovereign has shown himself to be throughout his life.

King Charles III meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk
The meeting came just two days after Zelensky’s heated exchange with Trump ( 
Image:
PA)

SIMILAR ARTICLES TO THISA man who has demonstrated on countless occasions the ability to be a peacemaker in troubled times. Indeed he was the first to welcome Jewish and Muslim leaders to Buckingham Palace last month after the signing of an historic deal to try and achieve peace.

The King has continually shown his support for the Ukrainian people in the face of such adversity, marking each anniversary of the invasion in recent years. Last year he spoke of “the determination and strength of the Ukrainian people” labelling the invasion an “unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods”.

Charles added that “despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely. Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression”. Just days after inviting the US president to an unprecedented second State Visit, many will be hoping Charles can emerge as an unlikely broker of peace once more.