THE Royal Family are leading commemorations to victims of the 7/7 bombings, 20 years on from the shocking terror attack.
Royals have joined senior figures and survivors of the brutal bombings at a memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London today as they remember those who lost their lives.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, has arrived at the ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral on behalf of the King[/caption]
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arriving at the memorial this morning[/caption]
Former PM Theresa May is also in attendance[/caption]
King Charles has called on the nation to remember the ‘extraordinary courage and compassion’ in the face of the attacks[/caption]
52 people were killed, and more than 770 were injured, when four suicide bombers detonated explosives across three Tube trains and on one bus during rush hour in central London on July 7, 2005.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – attending on behalf of the King – have been spotted at the National Service of Commemoration in the capital this morning.
Other royals, including Prince William, are expected to join the touching service, dedicated to the 52 innocent victims of what were Britain’s first suicide bombings.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also at the ceremony, alongside Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and former PM Theresa May.
The King, today, called on the nation to remember the “extraordinary courage and compassion” in the face of the attacks.
He said: “Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer’s day.
“We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones.
“We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass.
“In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day.
“The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.”
King Charles has also called on the country to reaffirm its commitment to “building a society of all faiths and backgrounds, standing against those who seek to divide us”.
He also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of difficulty.
The monarch added: “While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination.
“It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal.
“As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed Charles’ remarks, focusing on the sense of community against division.
He said: “Today, the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever.
“We honour the courage shown that day- the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror.
“Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now- against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier laid wreaths at the 7 July Memorial Gardens to mark the 20th anniversary of the deadly attacks[/caption]
Sadiq Khan outside St Paul’s Cathedral today[/caption]
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper added: “Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking.
“It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself.
“As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them.
“Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us.
“We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life.”
