London: On the 20th anniversary of the 7 July 2005 London bombings, His Majesty King Charles III has issued a solemn message urging unity and collective resilience in the face of extremism.
His Majesty called on people to stand together ‘against those who would seek to divide us,’ as the country remembers one of its most tragic terrorist attacks.
The coordinated suicide bombings, carried out by Islamist extremists, struck during the busy morning rush hour, with explosives detonated on three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus.
These attacks killed 52 innocent people and injured more than 700 others, leaving lasting scars on the nation. One of the most harrowing images from that day remains the London bus torn apart by the explosion.
In his message, King Charles condemned these ‘senseless acts of evil,’ and called for renewed efforts to uphold a ‘spirit of unity.’ His Majesty stressed the importance of building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can coexist with mutual respect and understanding.
The King expressed his continued sympathy and ‘special prayers’ for all those whose lives were forever changed on that tragic summer day, including the injured and those who still carry physical and psychological scars.
His Majesty also praised the bravery and compassion shown by emergency responders and ordinary citizens, describing the “extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day.”
To honour the victims, several commemorative events are scheduled to take place across London, including a National Service of Commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral. His Majesty will be represented at the service by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Known for his strong advocacy for interfaith dialogue and social harmony, King Charles has long supported initiatives to build bridges between religions and cultures. His Majesty emphasized that while the pain and horror of the 7/7 attacks will never be forgotten, the way communities came together in the aftermath offers lasting hope.
“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,” said the King.
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