The King has stressed the importance of “understanding” – saying it is “never more vital than at times of international turmoil and heartbreaking loss of life”.

In a landmark speech to the City of London Corporation on Wednesday evening at Mansion House, the monarch discussed the importance of having the “willingness to put others first and treat them as we would wish them to treat us”.

He also called for people to “listen to [other’s] views and, if we do not agree, to remind ourselves to engage in a way which is passionate, but not pugnacious”.

“This includes the practice of our religious faiths, in freedom and mutual understanding,” he said.

“Such understanding, both at home and overseas, is never more vital than at times of international turmoil and heartbreaking loss of life.”

The 74-year-old royal, who also addressed the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in his speech, did not directly reference the Israel-Hamas war.

However, his mention of “international turmoil” and “heartbreaking loss of life” comes at a time of increased conflict in the Middle East.

Royal correspondent

This is a speech that feels like a State of the Nation address. The King’s assessment of his kingdom.

He talks of the importance of tolerance, cooperation, and respect. But although this is a domestic-focused speech, there is a striking reference to the Middle East.

The language is oblique, but the message couldn’t be clearer. The King says there is a “vital” need for understanding of religious faiths, during this time of “international turmoil” and “heartbreaking loss of life”.

This is the first time we’ve heard him speak about the current war. And it is unusual for a British monarch to comment on a conflict, especially one at such a critical stage.

This speech follows a strongly-worded statement from his spokesperson last week, which said the King was “appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism”. And palace sources say this is an issue he cares deeply about, requesting to be kept “actively updated” on the situation.

The King cannot get involved with politics but as of Head of State he has recently met the chief rabbi and had calls with both the Israeli president and the King of Jordan. The King’s words in the speech will have been carefully chosen, and without doubt written for maximum impact.

Israel said 1,400 of its citizens were killed in the raid by Hamas militants on 7 October.

The Gaza health ministry said at least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed and 12,000 others have been wounded in Israel’s retaliatory strikes.

At least seven British nationals, including 13-year-old Yahel Sharabi, were killed in the Hamas incursion in Israel.

Downing Street said nine UK nationals remain missing, with some of those feared dead, while others could be among the hostages taken back to the Gaza Strip.

The King previously expressed his condolences and “deep shock” at the “barbaric” actions by Hamas in a call with Israel’s president Isaac Herzog.

Meanwhile, Prince William said he was “profoundly distressed” by the “horrors” inflicted.

In his speech at Mansion House, the King praised everything from the positive contribution of immigrants to British humour.

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He praised the public service that underpins institutions supporting the nation in areas like health, security and national defence to learning and industry, taking many “far beyond the call of duty”.

The monarch also brought up climate change, asking if the evidence was enough to convince society to make the “sacrifices” needed to safeguard the Earth.

The King made the speech at a dinner to recognise the work of City of London civic institutions and Livery Companies.

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