King Charles Honors 7/7 Victims on 20th Anniversary, Calls for Unity Against Division

King Charles has urged unity and resilience in a heartfelt message commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, which killed 52 people and injured more than 700.

He denounced the “senseless acts of evil” that struck London’s public transport system on 7 July 2005, describing the attacks as a tragedy that forever scarred the nation.

The King called for strength in solidarity, urging people to stand united “against those who would seek to divide us”. He reflected on the importance of fostering a society grounded in “mutual respect and understanding” across different faiths and backgrounds.

“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,” he said.

A National Service of Commemoration will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Monday, with the Duke of Edinburgh representing the King. The ceremony is among several events planned across the capital to honor the victims and survivors of the coordinated suicide bombings.

The attacks saw bombs detonated on three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus during morning rush hour, carried out by Islamist extremists. It remains one of the UK’s deadliest terrorist attacks.

“My special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer’s day,” the King added, honoring both the victims and the many who still carry the “physical and psychological scars” from the events.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed the King’s message, saying:
“Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now – against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also paid tribute, noting:
“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.”

King Charles, a long-time advocate for interfaith harmony, emphasized that the attacks only strengthened the nation’s resolve to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity.