The Prince of Wales joined survivors and bereaved families at a memorial ceremony in Hyde Park on Monday to mark the 20th anniversary of the July 7 London bombings. The commemorative events remembered the 52 people who died when three Tube trains and a bus were bombed by terrorists in 2005.
William attended the afternoon service alongside relatives of victims and survivors, with the London Gospel Choir performing Something Inside and Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child. The Hyde Park ceremony followed a morning service at St Paul's Cathedral attended by the Prime Minister and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Cathedral ceremony honours victims
The 2005 attacks, which also left several hundred people injured, were the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, survivors, emergency responders and bereaved relatives gathered at St Paul's for the moving tribute.
The ceremony saw 52,000 petals fall from the cathedral's dome as the names of those who died were read by Saba Edwards, daughter of victim Behnaz Mozakka, and survivor Thelma Stober. Edwards showed clear emotion and stifled a sob as she read her mother's name.
Early morning wreath laying
Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Sadiq Khan laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am, coinciding with the time the first bomb exploded. They were joined by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi, who also laid floral tributes.
In a statement marking the anniversary, Sir Keir said the whole country would unite to remember the lives lost and 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," he said.
Leaders unite against division
The Prime Minister emphasised that those who tried to divide Britain had 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," Sir Keir added.
Sir Sadiq Khan said Londoners "will always choose hope over fear and unity over division". He remembered the 52 people whose lives were "cruelly stolen" and the more than 700 people injured by what he called "cowardly acts of hatred".
Mayor praises emergency response
The Mayor also paid tribute to those who ran towards danger, including emergency service personnel, transport workers and members of the public who showed incredible courage. "Their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten," he said.
Sir Sadiq delivered a clear message to those seeking to spread division: "You will never win." He said London's determination to stand together was stronger than ever as the city continued building a safer future for everyone.
King praises spirit of unity
In his message marking the anniversary, the King said comfort could be taken from the "spirit of unity" in London and the country, which had allowed the nation to heal. He said his heartfelt thoughts and prayers remained with all those whose lives were forever changed.
The King remembered with "profound sadness" the 52 innocent people killed in "senseless acts of evil" and the enduring grief of their loved ones. He also recalled the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars.
Message of hope and healing
King Charles stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. "While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination," he said.
The King called for using the 20th anniversary to reaffirm commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding. He urged standing firm against those who would seek to divide communities.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
