King Charles sends unity message on 7/7 attacks anniversary
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also said that 'those who tried to divide us failed," adding: 'We stood together then, and we stand together now'.
King Charles issues message of national unity for 7/7 attacks anniversary
The King has called on the country to continue its spirit of unity (Image: PA/Aaron Chown) The King 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.'
Other members of the Royal Family are taking part in memorials today, including The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who will appear at the National Service of Commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral from 11.30am on Monday.
Sir Keir Starmer said that 'those who tried to divide us failed' (Image: PA) The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity.
He said: '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.'
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are to attend a memorial today (Image: PA)
What were the 7/7 attacks in London?
The 7/7 attacks were a series of attacks across London's transport network on July 7, 2005.
The attacks saw bombs detonated on three underground trains and a double-decker bus.
This caused severe casualties during rush hour, seeing 52 people killed and more than 700 injured.
These were carried out by Islamist terrorists using improvised explosive devices made from concentrated hydrogen peroxide and pepper, packed into backpacks.
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EXCLUSIVE Welcome to the Little Chagos Islands! Single London council forced to spend £18million to house hundreds people from the Indian isles on top of their asylum seekers quota
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Taken as evidence of ideological compromise was the Taliban's removal from Russia's list of terrorist organisations. And this week, on 9 July, Afghanistan posted an extraordinary tourism advert online, which opens with a shot of five turbaned men behind three kneeling hostages. The leader says 'we have one message for America', then pulls off the hood of the central hostage, revealing a beaming Westerner who shouts, 'Welcome to Afghanistan!' Of course, all sorts of propaganda will be used in service of attracting tourism; but this is nonetheless a sea change from the autarkic Taliban regime of the 1990s. Affiliates of al-Qaeda now appear poised to make a definitive break with the transnational jihadist model most infamously espoused by Islamic State (IS). Al-Qaeda affiliates in Yemen (AQAP) and Somalia (Al-Shabaab) have showed signs of being willing to collaborate with the Iran-backed Houthis, traditionally an ideological foe. 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