Prince William leads nation in remembering those who lost their lives in 7/7 terror attack 20 years ago
William, 43, laid flowers at the permanent memorial in Hyde Park at a sombre ceremony marking 20 years since the terror attacks on three tube trains and a London bus.
He joined up to 500 survivors of the London bombings and families of the victims for a moving service.
Wearing a black suit and tie William chatted with Themla Stober, one of the survivors, and Gerald Oppenheim, chairman of the London Bombing Relief Charitable Fund.
Relatives of those killed had gathered at the monument which is made of 52 steel pillars representing each of the victims.
They paused before the ceremony to read the names of their loved ones engraved on the memorial, alongside the time of death and the date of death as July 7, 2005.
Floral tributes had been laid on a plaque embedded in the grass near the pillars listing the 52 names alphabetically earlier in the day by the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
Families tearfully touched the names on the plaque and paused for a moment of reflection by the wreaths, which were laid at 8:50am to coincide with the moment that the first bomb went off.
Mr Oppenheim then opened the service, thanking the prince for attending today, adding: “We appreciate all you and members of the Royal Family do for survivors of the 7/7 attacks.”
He also thanked the King for his powerful statement released earlier on Monday and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh who also attended.
A minute’s silence was observed, in memory of the 52 people who died and over 700 people injured in the horror bombings during London’s rush hour.
Emotional speeches were made by families of the victims including Jill Foulkes, sister of David Foulkes said that grief never gets easier, but that “the loss and the pain changes” over the years.
She recalled the “pang” in her heart after the birth of her daughter, knowing that she will never meet her uncle.
The parents of Carrie Taylor, 24, who died at Aldgate station stood with their arms around one another as June told those gathered: “Don’t take for granted what you have but treasure every minute.”
As her voice cracked, she read the words on her daughter’s tombstone: “Missing you is easy, we do it every day, loving you is heartache will never go away.”
Susan Greenwood and Thelma Stoba both survived the bombing at Aldgate Station and gave powerful testimonies.
Ms Greenwood described how the attacks “changed the course of my life” and the physical and emotional challenges still take its toll.
Choking back tears, she said: “Some days I feel stronger than anything, on other days I simply survive.”
Addressing the prince and “my 7/7 family”, Ms Stoba condemned the “senseless act of terror” that brought everyone together.
And said: “Terrorism will never succeed to divide or break us.”
“They tried to tear us apart that day but they failed. Humanity will always be stronger than hate.”
Steve Williams, Police Family Liaison Coordinator – Family Assistance Centre, spoke of the incredible bravery of those “who ran towards danger to help others”, as he recalled how “London stood together, all of Britain stood together” that fateful day.
Survivor David Gardener read the names of the killed in the suicide attacks in central London, which saw bombs detonated on three underground train stations and a double-decker bus.
William joined the families in placing the blooms of orange flowers on the plaque.
After the service the Prince joined the survivors and the families of the victims for a private reception.
Earlier today, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended the National Service of Commemoration in the capital.
Keir Starmer was also at the ceremony, alongside the Mayor of London, and former PM Theresa May.
Sir Sadiq delivered an emotional message to the 1200-strong congregation before four candles – each bearing a name of the location of one of the bombings – were lit in the hallowed hall.
Joining survivors, politicians, and royals are first responders, police and other transport staff who were on duty on the day of the bombings in 2005.
In a touching opening message, Very Rev Andrew Tremlett said: “We gather in this cathedral church to mark the solemn anniversary of an act of terror inflicted on our city on this day 20 years ago… We continue to commemorate a moment in time that left deep scars in the soul of our capital.”
He praised those who had helped survivors on the day and said the dome of St Paul’s was “so often a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity”.
He added: “We give thanks for the spirit of this city: its openness, its endurance and its steadfast refusal to let the hatred prevail.
“We pray for those who wish us harm, and for those who inflict harm on others by devising acts of violence and terror, that God’s unfailing grace would convert their hearts and direct them to new paths of peace.”
The names of those who lost their lives were read out by each speaker, striking an emotional chord with the audience for each location’s victims.
White petals fell from the ceiling as the names of the 27 victims from the Piccadilly line bombing between King’s Cross and Russell Square were read out – the attack with the highest death toll of the four.
Saba Edwards – whose mum died in the bombing – broke down into tears as she read her name among the list of the victims.
As the 52,000 petals fell like snow, Saba’s voice cracked at her mum Behnaz Mozakka’s name, briefly pausing.
Bombing survivor Thelma Stober then took over, with her voice also strained as she emotionally read out the names of each and every victim.
The choir then performed ethereal songs in tribute to all those who lost their lives on this day 20 years ago.
Today, the King has 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.”
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.”
