King Charles makes powerful statement about media after Harry's news

King Charles III issued an important statement as he hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

The 76-year-old has said regional media is vital at a time when “too much focus is given to that which divides us.”

The monarch's statement comes a day after Prince Harry announced to step down as patron of a charity.

“A free media is one that will and does make mistakes, but at its best it is a cornerstone of our democracy,” the King said in a statement.

The royal family has shared King Charles' video with his statement, in which he emphasised: "You won't always get it right. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes."

He also admitted: "For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer." The message was signed off formally as "Charles R."

Charles has been an Honorary Life Member of the London Press Club since 1978.

He said: “I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.”

He also recalled his speech in 2002, saying: "Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground-up, at local level, in your hands."

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