THE Royal Family have lead 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]
King Charles has called on the nation to remember the ‘extraordinary courage and compassion’ in the face of the attacks[/caption]
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]
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.
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.”
I GOT ABUSE DUE TO MY MUSLIM FAITH
WHEN the first Tube bomber set off his device on the eastbound Circle Line train between Liverpool Street and Aldgate, Muslim passenger Mustafa Kurtuldu was sitting in the next carriage.
After the blast he had an agonising 45-minute wait for emergency services to lead him to safety – and then went on to receive abuse because of his religion.
Mustafa, now a designer, said: “My bag was searched after we were rescued from the Tube, and when I was outside it was searched again after an officer asked my name.
“I sat next to a Spanish guy while I was being transported to hospital on a bus, but I felt as though he was treated differently to me and was given more sympathy. I was only 24 years old and had the burden of being an ‘unelected official’ for the Muslim community.
“I had the anxiety of explaining that I wasn’t the ‘bad guy’.
“In the weeks following the bombings I was attacked at knifepoint, and was made to condemn the attacks as a Muslim.
“If someone is a victim of any other kind of crime, they wouldn’t be asked to condemn it.
“It’s so irrational. You are held to a higher level of accountability.
“It still happens. I was on a flight back from Canada and was pulled to the side with other Asian men.
“When the flight attendant saw I was in business class, she apologised, so I asked if terrorists don’t travel business class. It’s ridiculous.”
And 20 years on, Mustafa is still suffering.
He added: “I used to go to the memorial in Hyde Park and break down.
“I had such survivor’s guilt. It has seriously affected me.
“Over time, you learn to pretend that it doesn’t impact you. I tried to talk to others about it but people don’t understand.”
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.”
