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In a poignant gathering at Windsor Castle, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria Starmer joined King Charles and Queen Camilla to honour the invaluable contributions of carers across the United Kingdom. This reception, held on the evening of Wednesday, 11 February 2026, marked the first occasion the King and Sir Keir have met since the release of sensitive documents linked to the Epstein scandal, adding a layer of complexity to the evening’s celebrations.
A Night of Gratitude and Reflection
As the royal couple welcomed their guests, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude for the millions who dedicate their lives to caring for others. In his address, King Charles highlighted the remarkable commitment of both paid and unpaid carers, acknowledging the profound impact they have on families and society as a whole.
“My wife and I are delighted to welcome you here this evening as we celebrate and give thanks to those remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to the care of others,” the King expressed. He went on to share that around five million individuals in the UK provide unpaid care to loved ones, illustrating the scale of this often underappreciated work.
“For many, this responsibility is taken on without recognition or reward, driven solely by love and compassion,” he noted. Furthermore, he recognised the estimated 1.6 million professionals working in the adult social care sector, including nurses and support staff, who embody a commitment to compassion as their life’s work.
Acknowledging the Challenges
King Charles’s reflections extended beyond gratitude to address the significant challenges faced by carers. He spoke of the isolation, fatigue, and financial pressures that many endure, stating, “We owe it to them not merely to offer our thanks, but our practical support.” He particularly emphasised the plight of young carers, some as young as five, who often juggle their own childhoods with the responsibilities of caring for family members.
“These young individuals deserve our utmost admiration,” he stated, stressing that their selflessness must not come at the expense of their education or dreams. According to estimates from children’s charity Barnardo’s, as many as one in five children in the UK may be young carers, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for societal support and recognition.
The Weight of Recent Events
The reception took place against the backdrop of ongoing political turbulence related to the Epstein documents. This marked the first public appearance of Sir Keir and King Charles since the release of these files, which have reignited scrutiny around Prince Andrew’s connections to the disgraced financier. Both figures are navigating the fallout, with King Charles recently expressing “profound concern” over allegations surrounding his brother’s actions while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
The revelations have led to significant political repercussions, including calls for Sir Keir’s resignation from Scottish Labour leader and the resignation of key Downing Street aides.
A Message of Care and Support
In a heartfelt message to those receiving care, King Charles assured them, “You are not and you will never be a burden.” He emphasised that the care they receive is a testament to the devotion of their loved ones, solidifying the notion that caring is a shared responsibility that enriches the fabric of society.
With 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK, of whom nearly 30% provide over 50 hours of care each week, the need for recognition and support has never been more pressing. This reception served not only as a celebration of these heroic figures but also as a clarion call for society to collectively shoulder the burden of care.
Why it Matters
The significance of this event lies not only in the recognition of carers but also in the broader conversation about responsibility and support within our communities. As political figures grapple with the implications of the Epstein scandal, the King’s emphasis on care highlights a critical social issue: the essential role of carers in our society and the urgent need for systemic change to support them. In a world where compassion often takes a backseat to political machinations, this gathering served as a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of caring for one another.
