The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, The Home Secretary, Mayor of London attend solemn service of commemoration to mark the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings
On Monday, July 7, 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, represented King Charles III at a solemn service of commemoration held at St Paul’s Cathedral. This significant event marked the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that tragically claimed the lives of 52 people and injured hundreds more across London’s transport network on July 7, 2005.
HRH King Charles Memorial Statement
King Charles III issued a poignant message to mark the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings on July 7, 2025.
Today, as we mark twenty years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible Summer’s day. 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 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. As we remember those we lost, 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.
Charles R.”
The royals joined survivors, bereaved families, members of the emergency services and senior politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. On 7 July 2005, four bombs were detonated on transport systems in the capital, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds as three Tube trains and a bus were targeted. Commemorations took place across London, with a minute’s silence held to mark the time of the first explosion at 8:49 at Edgware Road station 20 years ago. The service was a poignant tribute, with 52,000 white petals falling from the cathedral’s dome as the names of the victims were read aloud by a survivor and a daughter of one of those who died.
Beyond the royal presence, the memorial at St Paul’s Cathedral saw a gathering of key figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Representatives from the emergency services, who bravely responded on the day of the attacks, carried four candles through the cathedral, symbolizing each of the attack sites. Earlier in the day, both the Prime Minister and the Mayor laid wreaths at the 7/7 memorial in Hyde Park, coinciding with the exact time the first bomb detonated. Prince William also attended a separate service in Hyde Park, where he comforted survivors and families of the victims.
In a statement to mark the anniversary, the Prime Minister said:
Twenty years on from the 7/7 attacks, we remember all those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were changed forever. We honour the bravery of the first responders, and the strength of the survivors. Those who try to divide us will always fail.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s presence at the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings was a powerful symbol of national remembrance, unity, and resilience. Standing alongside survivors, bereaved families, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Lord Mayor of London, she honoured the memory of the 52 lives lost and the hundreds injured in the worst terrorist attack on British soil. With quiet dignity, she paid tribute not only to the courage of first responders and ordinary Londoners who stepped forward in the face of horror, but also to the enduring spirit of a nation that refuses to be broken by hate. Her attendance reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding democracy and upholding the values of compassion, solidarity, and peace. Marking 20 years, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:
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.
The London Mayor, who read a passage from the Bible at the service, said in a statement:
Today, we mark 20 years since the horrendous 7 July terror attacks shook our city. We remember the 52 people whose lives were cruelly stolen on that dark day and our thoughts and prayers remain with all of their loved ones, as well as the more than 700 people who were injured by these cowardly acts of hatred. We also pay tribute to those who ran towards danger on that terrible day. From emergency service personnel, to transport workers and members of the public who showed incredible courage and compassion by putting their own safety at risk to help those in need, their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. Two decades on – as we unite for a day of commemoration – I have a clear message for those who seek to spread division and sow hatred – you will never win. London’s determination to stand together is stronger than ever. We will always choose hope over fear and unity over division as we continue building a safer London for everyone.”
The day was filled with collective remembrance and a reaffirmation of unity in the face of terror. King Charles III issued a heartfelt statement, emphasizing the “spirit of unity and compassion” that emerged in the wake of the tragedy and urged the nation to stand firm against those seeking to divide. Similarly, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the “defining moment of collective resilience” and stressed that those who attempted to divide the country ultimately failed, with Londoners choosing hope over fear and unity over division.
HRH Prince of Wales Hyde Park Memorial Service
HRH Prince William’s presence at the Hyde Park memorial on the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings offered a deeply reassuring and profoundly uplifting moment. Standing amidst the 52 stainless steel pillars, each a poignant symbol of a life lost, the Prince of Wales not only laid a wreath but also took the time to personally comfort survivors and families of the victims. His genuine compassion and quiet strength provided a powerful symbol of national solidarity, demonstrating that even two decades on, the memory of those lost remains cherished, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy continues to inspire hope and unity.
