King says 7/7 bombings aftermath brought out ‘very best of humanity'
The monarch said in a message released to mark the milestone on Monday that his 'heartfelt thoughts and special prayers' were with those whose lives were 'forever changed on that terrible summer's day.'
He said the anniversary should be used 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.'
A series of coordinated explosions hit three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus during the morning rush hour on July 7, 2005, killing 52 people and injuring 700 others.
The King said that while those killed by such 'senseless acts of evil' would be remembered, so too would 'the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day'.
He added: '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.'
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will represent the King at a National Service of Commemoration taking place at St Paul's Cathedral on Monday morning.
The service, organised by the Mayor of London, is for those directly affected by the bombings, including survivors, bereaved families and first responders.
A separate service will take place at the 7 July Memorial Gardens in Hyde Park.
The memorial, comprising 52 steel pillars, one for each life lost, was unveiled in 2009, on the fourth anniversary of the attacks.
'Physical and psychological scars'
Annual ceremonies have since been held there, featuring poignant music, readings and the laying of flowers by bereaved families and survivors.
The King said those killed would be remembered 'with profound sadness' on the 20th anniversary of the attacks, as would '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 said.
'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.
'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.'
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