Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward step in for King Charles as they attend 7/7 memorial service in London

GBN's Mark White marks 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

GB News
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 07/07/2025

- 13:12

The Duke and Duchess were the royal representation at the solemn ceremony

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, joined her husband, Prince Edward, as they attended the memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The royal couple were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and others as they remembered the tragic attacks that struck the nation’s capital 20 years ago today.


Fifty-two innocent victims lost their lives and more than 700 were injured in the coordinated al-Qaeda inspired terror attacks that targeted three Underground trains and a bus in Tavistock Square.

The royal couple were seen stepping out of their car as they arrived at the central London cathedral.

Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, attended the 7/7 memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral with Prince Edward

PA

Representatives of the Salvation Army, London Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Police and London Underground lined the steps into St Paul’s.

Sophie and Edward shook hands with a greeter and received a salute as they made their way into the cathedral.

The service was attended by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, former Prime Minister Theresa May among others.

Bells from St Paul’s sounded the beginning of the memorial service as London fell silent.

Prince Edward

Prince Edward accompanied his wife to the solemn commemoration

PA

Reverend Andrew Tremlett, The Dean of St Paul's, opened the service by announcing the: "solemn anniversary of an act of terror inflicted on our city on this day 20 years ago".

"We come to honour the memory of those who died, to stand by the survivors and to give thanks to those who responded with courage and compassion,” he continued.

The service saw readings of the bible, other addresses and musical interludes.

King Charles led commemorations of the tragedy this morning as he issued a heartfelt address.

Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward

The royal couple received a salute as they arrived

PA

"Today, as we mark twenty 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," the King began in his statement.

"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 King said.

Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie and Edward were the royal representation at the event that marked 20 years since the tragic attacks on London

PA


The King implored others to: "Remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day," Charles said.

"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 King stressed the importance of unity in healing the nation, stating: "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.

"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," the King said.

The emotional address with sighed off with a simple: "Charles R."