Vladimir Putin congratulates King Charles on ‘accession to throne’ despite past Hitler jibe
LONDON, ENGLAND: Russian President might have his differences with the world leaders over the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war but that did not stop him to congratulate King Charles III on his new royal role. Vladimir Putin was one of the first world leaders to send his congratulations to Charles with the help of social media. In a tweet posted on the Twitter account of the Russian Embassy to the UK, the 69-year-old shared a two-sentence message also wishing King Charles the best of health and success.
The congratulation from Putin came despite Charles taking a jibe at the former eight years ago. The new UK King in 2014 compared Putin to the likes of Adolf Hitler causing an international stir. The tension between the two flared up again when Charles in early 2022 slammed Putin over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was the first member of the Royal family to publicly condemn Putin for his actions. Describing the war as "an attack on democracy" Charles expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian public.
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Putin congratulates King Charles on his new royal role
The Twitter account of the Russian Embassy to the UK King posted a note shared by Putin. The note read, “Please accept my sincere congratulations on Your Accession to the throne” adding, “I wish Your Majesty success, good health and all the best.”
King Felipe of Spain also extended his well-wishes to Charles. The king, a cousin of the British royal family penned, to “dearest Charles” to “convey my best wishes for a fruitful and prosperous reign.” He added, “Queen Letizia and I would like to send Your Majesty and the Queen Consort our personal affection and the assurances of our deep friendship”, as published by The New York Post.
President Vladimir Putin congratulated His Majesty King Charles III on the Accession to the throne. pic.twitter.com/GzPZ3vYbb0
— Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) September 10, 2022
Speaking of the Hitler jibe at Putin, Charles made the comment way back in 2014 when he was in a conversation with a woman whose family fled Poland before it was invaded by the Nazis in 1939. After Hitler’s comparison, Putin issued a statement, as reported by The Daily Mail. “Give my words to Prince Charles. He has been to our country more than once. If he made such a comparison it is unacceptable and I am sure he understands that as a man of manners”, said Putin at the time. The Russian Embassy also came forward to point out at the time that the King's great uncle, Edward VIII, “was a personal friend of Hitler.”
Putin had also sent his condolences to King Charles III after the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. In an official statement, the Russian leader said, “The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty.”
He added, “For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of all her subjects, as well as stature in the international arena.” While addressing the King, Putin asserted, “I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss.” For the unversed, Putin will not be attending the Queen's funeral, as confirmed by his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.