King Charles declared it’s a ‘dangerous world’ on emotional visit to Golders Green to meet victims of last month’s stabbing attack
The King met victims and Jewish community leaders in Golders Green following last month’s suspected terror stabbing attack, as residents gathered to welcome the monarch during a public walkabout.
King Charles declared it’s a “dangerous world” as he visited Golders Green to meet victims of last month’s stabbing attack.
As the monarch, 77, continued a series of public engagements focused on community solidarity during a period of heightened concern over antisemitism and public safety in Britain, he was greeted by crowds chanting “long live the King” as he visited the north London neighbourhood where two Jewish men were injured in what police are treating as a suspected terror attack.
Charles visited a Jewish Care charity centre on Golders Green Road to meet Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, who is also known as Norman Shine, alongside Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, 60.
The attack took place on 29 April and remains under investigation by counter-terror police.
The King also met members of the volunteer Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim, who responded to the incident, and later greeted members of the public gathered outside local businesses and community buildings in the area.
Speaking after meeting the King, Norman described the encounter as deeply moving.
He said: “(Charles) was very concerned.”
Norman added: “The most inspiring thing was that he didn’t let go of my hand, I mean it was amazing, he is the King but I felt a genuine warmth and concern.”
He continued: “We feel we have a genuine friend in the King.”
Chief Rabbi Ephraim told Charles during the visit the Jewish community “appreciate it enormously” the monarch had come to Golders Green in person to show support following the attack.
The visit comes amid continuing national concern over rising antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict, an issue senior royals have increasingly addressed publicly over the past year.
Charles, who resumed a fuller public schedule earlier this year while continuing treatment for cancer, has frequently emphasised interfaith relations during his reign and has long-standing ties with Jewish charities and religious leaders. Before becoming King, Charles was known for championing dialogue between faith communities through initiatives connected to the Prince’s Trust and other organisations.
During Thursday’s walkabout, Charles shook hands with residents lining the street and spoke with a man celebrating his 100th birthday.
The King said: “I hope they give you a good celebration, and I hope you get a card from me.”
Outside Grodz bakery, Charles was presented with a traditional challah loaf and stopped to speak with children from a local primary school.
One member of the public told him he was “always welcome” in Golders Green.
Charles replied: “It’s a dangerous world isn’t it?”
When another resident said: “What happened in Golders Green was horrific,” the King responded: “I know.”
Further down the line of well-wishers, Charles told crowds waiting to greet him: “I hope I haven’t disrupted your normal activities too much.”
The alleged attacker, Essa Suleiman, 45, has been remanded in custody charged with three counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors allege Suleiman attempted to kill Ishmail Hussein at a property in Southwark before travelling to Golders Green, where the two Jewish victims were stabbed in the street.
Authorities have confirmed the case is being treated as a suspected terror-related incident.
