King Charles in kippa shares laugh in Manchester after teary moment

King Charles, visiting Manchester today, struck a careful balance between solemnity and warmth as he met members of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. 

He respectfully wore a kippah, a traditional head covering worn by Jewish men as a symbol of faith and identity. 

While the mood was understandably sombre following the recent synagogue attack, the King appeared in convivial spirits, taking the time to chat with congregants and offer words of support.

The monarch has made it clear that showing solidarity with the Jewish community is a priority, noting how deeply he and Queen Camilla were affected by the tragedy. 

Around 150 local residents most from the Jewish community turned out to greet him, creating a heartening scene of unity and reassurance.

The King’s arrival brought traffic to a halt as his motorcade pulled up outside the synagogue, where he was greeted by a delegation and took a moment to read messages left on the floral tributes that have been laid since the tragedy two and a half weeks ago. 

Rabbi Daniel Walker welcomed the King, guiding him inside the synagogue where he engaged with members of the congregation.

Among them were Raphael Schleider and his 15 year old son Yakov, who had prayed near the police cordon on the day of the attack. 

Yakov reflected on the significance of the King’s visit, “I’ve come here to see other people who care about what’s happened and to know that it still matters to people in the UK. For the King to be here, it shows me that the UK is upset about this attack.”

Despite the seriousness of the visit, there were lighter moments too, as the King’s approachable manner helped ease the tension, reminding everyone present that even in the wake of tragedy, hope and human connection endure.