ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
King Charles III has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a private meeting in London over the weekend, with discussions centred on the ongoing war in Ukraine and continued British support.
The meeting took place at a royal residence, where the King was photographed wearing a black puffer jacket while greeting Zelensky, who was dressed in his usual military-style casual wear. The choice of attire has reignited debate over diplomatic dress codes, with some British commentators previously criticising Zelensky for not wearing a suit when meeting world leaders. However, the King’s own decision to dress like a man heading to Pret for a scotch egg has drawn less scrutiny.
Journalists looked on as the King greeted Zelensky in an unusually relaxed manner.
“Wagwan, my G?” said His Majesty.
“Man like Zeley, real soldier, ya dun know. Come inside, we got some tea, couple biscuits, all dat. Real talk, Britain’s got you, fam. These times, we see you out ‘ere doin’ your ting. Man like Putin? He’s the bad man, still. Proper villain. That Trump yout? Whole bumbaclart, Zeley. Don’t even watch him.”
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Charles may have spent a significant portion of his recent convalescent period watching Top Boy.
The pair discussed ongoing military aid and the broader European security situation. The meeting came days after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Zelensky in what appeared to be a more formal engagement.
The King, who has been taking it easy since returning from a Commonwealth tour, reportedly assured Zelensky that Britain remains committed to supporting Ukraine.
The meeting ended with the King telling the Ukrainian president, “Stay safe out ‘ere, my brudda. Hold tight, dem Russian man can’t test you.”
Downing Street has yet to comment on whether the meeting signals a shift in the UK’s approach to the conflict.
More to come.
