‘Extraordinary courage, compassion': King Charles III's message on 20th anniversary of 7/7 London bombings
Fifty-two people were killed and more than 700 injured when four British men inspired by radical religious ideologies, carried out coordinated suicide bombings on three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus during the morning rush hour. The attacks were the first suicide bombings on European soil.
Two weeks later, four other bombers attempted a similar strike, but their devices failed to detonate.
In a message released on Monday, the King said his 'heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day.' He paid tribute to the victims, survivors, and those who carry the 'physical and psychological scars,' reported BBC.
The King praised the emergency services and others who responded in the aftermath of the bombings, highlighting 'the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day.'
He also commended 'the 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,' the King said, as per AP.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also marked the anniversary, calling July 7 'one of Britain's darkest days.' According to AP, she said the government would 'relentlessly confront and counter threats to our national security.'
Commemorative events will be held across London on Monday. These include a ceremony at the 7/7 memorial in Hyde Park and a National Service of Commemoration at St. Paul's Cathedral. The King will not attend the events in person but will be represented at the cathedral by the Duke of Edinburgh.
(With inputs from BBC, AP)
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