King expresses sympathy for England’s ‘brilliant’ Southgate

The King has expressed sympathy for “brilliant” Gareth Southgate, saying England coaches “always get the blame” after Southgate resigned following his team’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

After hosting a reception at the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace, the King held two private audiences, one with the Prime Minister and the other with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president.

His meeting with Sir Keir replaced their usual weekly audience at Buckingham Palace.

In another group, the King chatted to Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, and Petteri Orpo, Finland’s prime minister, along with Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister.

Ms Rayner spoke to the King about England’s defeat to Spain, and the monarch replied that it was “agonising”. He added: “I feel so sorry for the manager – they always get the blame, but in fact he actually did a brilliant job.”

The King arrived in his electric Audi and shared a handshake with Sir Keir before they strolled together along the red carpet into the Long Library.

Mr Zelensky, wearing a military-style fleece, chatted to Donald Tusk, Poland’s prime minister, as he waited for the King.

The Ukrainian president shook the monarch’s hand and they spoke briefly about their private face-to-face meeting, which was to take place later in the Grand Cabinet Room.

The Ukrainian president laughed warmly as they chatted, giving gave his royal host a friendly pat on his left arm.

Among the other leaders present were Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, and Charles Michel, the president of the European Council.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, and Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, were also in attendance. Sir Keir spent time chatting to Mr Zelensky, and appeared to give him two thumbs up.