Queen Elizabeth held a minute’s silence at Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to all those who are affected by the Manchester suicide bombing.
She stood solemnly alongside Prince Philip as the two took time out of their annual garden party to lead guests in the tribute to the 22 killed, 59 injured and countless affected by yesterday’s tragedy.
The British national anthem, God Save The Queen, was poignantly played as the crowds stood in silence. Queen Elizabeth expressed her anger in an eerie strongly worded statement yesterday.
“The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injuries to the people in Manchester last night. Most of them, who were just been enjoying the concert,” she said.
“Here, I express my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have lost their life or were injured.
“I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who responded in a brilliant manner with such professionalism and care.
“And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity, humility and compassion, to this act of barbarity.”
Yeoman of the Guard march at a Special Garden Party. Pomp and ceremony continued as planned, the palace refusing to be bowed to terrorism
Prince Charles, who was also present at the royal event with his wife Camilla, released his own statement about the tragedy.
“A very large number of people, including so many youngsters are concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered in this appalling atrocity is very disheartening ,” he said.
“Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling right now. It’s a very difficult time and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way.”
The Queen and the Duke led a minute’s silence in tribute to the Manchester terror attack victims before the party went ahead .
Kensington Palace released a statement on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, in which the three commended the people of Manchester for being “an example to the world”.
“Hundreds of friends, parents, children, and partners are confronting unimaginable grief today, and we send our thoughts to them all,” they said.
The attack, which took place yesterday, is the worst in the UK since the 2005 bombings in London killed 52 people.
