Charles and Camilla Pay Tribute To Manchester Terror Attack First Responders

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall paid an emotional visit on Monday to Manchester, where they met with staff and first responders on duty the night of May 22, when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert.

Members of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit showed Prince Charles and the Duchess the exact spot where the bomb went off, as they stood in the foyer taking in the damage that is still evident, a month on from the attack that killed 22. Arena staff and medics then described their experiences in the immediate aftermath of the attack to the royal couple.

“I think you are all incredible. It must have been incredibly difficult for you. People have got a lot to thank you for,” the Duchess told all the staff, while Prince Charles praised their efforts and said that “in all this, Manchester is an example to the world.”

Charles and Camilla were both presented with bumblebee pins by Arena staff, the symbol of Manchester.

Afterwards, the pair visited at Manchester Town Hall, where they signed the official book of condolence, for a reception with 80 more first responders.

Prince Charles gave a brief address, saying that “my wife and I have been moved by what we have seen today of how, in the face of the most painful of tragedies, the people of Manchester, of all ages, have responded so magnificently.

“No-one should have to suffer the losses which you have endured, yet no-one, surely could have endured them with greater fortitude. You are not looking back in anger, but looking resolutely forward, knowing that what you have suffered will only make you stronger and all the more determined to succeed as an international city that welcomes people from all over the world.”

He then participated in a roundtable discussion with community leaders, while the Duchess had a private meeting with 14-year-old Freya Lewis, injured in the attack.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Terrorism, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales.