King Charles III’s 2025 Easter message has ignited debate after he referenced Islamic and Jewish traditions while discussing the Christian holiday. The monarch, who serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, emphasized the virtues of faith, hope, and love, drawing parallels between Christian teachings and those of other faiths.
In his message, King Charles stated, “The love [Christ] showed when he walked the Earth reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.”
This is not the first time King Charles has put interfaith themes at the center of religious observances. Earlier this year, he hosted a Ramadan celebration at Windsor Castle, making headlines for inviting Muslim guests to break their fast in a royal setting in which “Allahu akbar” was yelled across the residence.
His consistent focus on Islamic inclusion has fueled concern among traditional Christians who feel the monarchy should be strengthening, not softening, the Christian foundations of the United Kingdom.
King Charles’ Easter message stands in stark contrast to the Holy Week message from President Trump. “Through [Christ’s] suffering, we have redemption. Through His death, we are forgiven of our sins. Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life…We pray that America will remain a beacon of faith, hope, and freedom for the entire world, and we pray to achieve a future that reflects the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ’s eternal kingdom in Heaven,” Trump shared earlier this week.
Many in Britain and abroad view the King’s Easter remarks as tone-deaf at a time when Christians across the world are facing persecution. Rather than celebrating the hope of the Resurrection, King Charles used one of Christianity’s holiest days to highlight other religions, leaving many questioning his commitment to the faith he represents.
Supporters of the King view his message as a call for unity and mutual respect among different faiths, especially in times of global conflict and humanitarian crises. However, some conservative voices express concern that such inclusivity may overshadow the distinctiveness of Christian traditions.