Charles has been branded cowardly for remaining absent and silent during a week of far-right riots.

Campaign group Republic has said the failure of Charles to respond meaningfully to the crisis shows how redundant the monarchy has become.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today:

"Where is Charles? Remaining in hiding for 24 hours would have been too long, a week is unacceptable. What is he waiting for?"

"We're told the monarch is supposed to be a figurehead who unites the nation, yet when the nation is in crisis he's nowhere to be seen."

"We're told the monarchy represents the soul of the nation, yet all we get are soulless press releases and empty statements."

"Charles is happy to come onto the balcony to receive applause but runs and hides when duty calls."

"It’s moments like these, when communities are terrified and buildings are being set alight, that clear and meaningful leadership from our head of state would be useful."

"Yet barely anyone has noticed Charles's absence. It's ordinary people stepping in to clean up the mess left by far-right thugs. The royals won't be lifting a finger to help. That tells us all we need to know about how unimportant the monarchy and the royals are to the life of the nation."

"His absence is the act of a coward. Charles hides behind press releases and hollow statements because he doesn't want to divide opinion or turn his most fervent supporters against him."

"The king and his advisers know many of those who sympathise with the rioters will be the loudest cheerleaders for the monarchy. To them it stands for an archaic and intolerant past and a symbol of white Britain."