UK marks 20 years since 7/7 with calls for unity
King Charles III remembered the 'spirit of unity' that was shown on the day 20 years ago. The capital would remain a place where 'people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding', he said.
'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of July 7, 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day,' he said.
'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."
He praised the 'selfless bravery' of emergency services, transport workers and fellow Londoners who went to help the wounded. 'Fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers remind us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst,' 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, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.'
Four suicide bombers struck three trains and a bus on July 7, 2005, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Londoners had showed 'unity in the face of terror' before going to lay a wreathe at the memorial for the victims of 7/7 in Hyde Park.
'We honour the courage that was shown that day – the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of the survivors and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror," he said.
'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, of democracy and the rule of law."
Other members of the royal family are to join services and memorials to mark the anniversary.
On behalf of King Charles, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the National Service of Commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral from 11.30am on Monday.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the day was 'no less shocking' than it was 20 years ago.
'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.'
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Today, we stand with those who carry the pain of that day, the families, friends and colleagues of those who never came home. We will remember them always.'
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