A service of Hope was held at Westminster Abbey today, to commemorate those who died in the Westminster Attack; The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended.
The attack took place on 22nd March, when a man drove a car into crowds on Westminster Bridge, before exiting the vehicle and stabbing a police officer outside the Houses of Parliament.
Seven people are currently still in hospital with injuries from the incident, as the service took place just a few hundred metres from the site of the attack. Four, including PC Keith Palmer, died as a result; William laid a wreath for him at the National Memorial Arboretum last week.
Arriving to a heavily guarded abbey, William, Catherine and Harry spoke with the Dean and his fellow clergymen before the Duke laid a wreath at the Innocent Victims memorial, just outside the entrance.
Joining the Royal guests was a congregation of 1,800. Members of the emergency services and NHS staff who treated and assisted in the aftermath took their seats in the Abbey for the multi-faith service, plus Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner, Craig Mackey, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Families affected by the attack were also invited.
Melissa Cochran, an American tourist whose husband Kurt, 54, was one of those killed, arrived in a wheelchair.
Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, conducted the service, opening it with the statement:
The violent assault two weeks ago against Londoners and visitors to this city from around the world and the killing of a police constable on duty at the Palace of Westminster have shocked people everywhere. Today we remember in particular those who lost their lives: Aysha Frade, Kurt Cochran, Leslie Rhodes, Keith Palmer, their families and friends, and all those who were injured. We commend them to the care and keeping of almighty God. We give thanks for the vigilance and dedication of the Police and Security Services and we pray for them in their vital work of keeping our communities and nations safe from terror and random violence.
We pray today for the communities of our United Kingdom, so rich in their diversity, that we may all celebrate what each contributes and that we may live in harmony.
At a time of sorrow, a time when we are tempted to despair, may we find hope.
Prince William also gave a reading: the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-37. Hymns were ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’, and ‘Nun danket alle Gott’.
Candles were also lit during the ceremony.
Following the service, the Royal trio took the time to speak with the victims, family and emergency staff. The Duke of Cambridge visited St Thomas’ Hospital last week to do the same, and Prince Charles went to King’s College Hospital to show his support.
The Duke and Duchess, and Prince Harry are meeting first responders who were called upon during the Westminster attack. #serviceofhope pic.twitter.com/B6iI86RAUz
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 5, 2017
