On the fifth anniversary of the devastating Grenfell fire, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a multi-faith memorial service.
Organized by Grenfell United, the multi-faith service took place at the foot of Grenfell Tower and will consist of prayers, readings and choir performances.
Kensington Palace said: "Formed in the days after the fire by a group of survivors and the bereaved, Grenfell United work to provide pastoral care for those affected and advocate for families to ensure that such a tragic event is not repeated. The organisation previously held memorial services outside the tower site in 2018 and 2019 and facilitated individual visits to the site for the bereaved and survivors during the pandemic to lay flowers and take time to pay their respects."
The Duke and Duchess arriving.
The blaze claimed 72 lives with occupants of 23 of the 129 flats losing their lives; a truly shocking statistic. The dreadful events highlighted the social divisions in the area; despite it's proximity to Kensington and Chelsea, the Grenfell Tower is located in not only one of the most deprived areas of London, but of the country. 2017 was a year filled with tragedies and the image of the tower burning remains ingrained in my mind. One can only imagine what those on the scene endured that day.
A particularly vivid image I'll never forget; the smoke plume was still visible the next day.
Days after the disaster, the Queen and Prince William visited devastated survivors. William described the fire as "one of the most terrible things I have ever seen". The Royal family paid a number of visits, meeting families and organizations who have been there every step of the way. The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry established Support4Grenfell, an emotional support hub in North Kensington to provide additional mental health resources for the community affected by the fire. The partnership of charities offers a range of support, counselling and advice for children, young people, parents and families. The Duchess of Sussex visited a group of women from Grenfell during the aftermath and would later produce a cookbook with them, Together: Our Community Cookbook, which raise £500,000.
Below, the Duchess attending a 2017 St Paul's service marking six months since the fire.
The Duke and Duchess during the service.
More from the Evening Standard:
'Muna Hussain, 50, a local resident whose children went to school with five of those who died in the fire, said Kate and William’s presence at the service was “huge” for the community and showed they “shared that feeling” of mourning on the fifth anniversary.
After the service, several hundred people, including rappers Big Zuu and Lowkey, marched a silent two-mile circuit led by survivors and bereaved relatives.'
'During the service, actor Tim Downie said: "At today's service we honour the 72 innocent men, women and children, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and friends who needlessly lost their lives.
"We must never forget them and carry them with us forever in our hearts."
Many mourners wore green scarves and clothing to match the green hearts that adorn the wall below the tower and which have become a symbol of the tragedy.
Floral tributes and personal notes have been left beside the wall, including a "72" made of white flowers.'
Below, a 2 hour video featuring the memorial service in its entirety.
Writing on social media, Grenfell United reacted to an incredible attendance at a silent walk: "18,000 people took to the streets today to remind those in power that WE’RE STILL HERE, and WE’RE STILL FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE!"
The 1940s-inspired dress is made from Italian silk crepe and lined throughout the bodice and skirt in lightweight silk habotai.
I think it likely we'll see the Cambridges at Royal Ascot in the coming days.
A nice rewear from The Duchess. I was expecting to see them at Ascot today but this was much more important. It would of meant a lot to those who have lost family, friends and loved ones. Terrible loss of life. While I have my own opinions on The Duchess of Sussex, that was fantastic work she did on the cook book. She also showed fantastic support for their cause. Looking forward to seeing The Duke and Duchess at Ascot. I wonder will we see formal pictures of them released next week for The Dukes 40th birthday. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteDitto S. on all points :) ! Hard to believe it's been 5 years. But I suppose it's the pandemic - those 2 years have done strange things to my perception of time.
Delete5 years have flown by since this terrible tragedy. So glad W&K chose to attend vs going to Ascot today.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always loved this dress but I’m charmed by the new shoes :) they are so cute and a welcome departure from suede stilletoes which I happen to like except that Kate often wears them with outfits or events not suited to a four inch heel (celticgirl).
She is mixing her shoe choices up lately.
ReplyDeleteReally like shoes that are different from her usual, often too high, shoes.
DeleteHow lovely that the Royal couple were able to go to the memorial service. The Duchess looks appropriately dressed. I like this dress, especially with the two tone shoes.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I love the cut and fit of this dress (the pleating at the top and below the waist) and was delighted to see the spectator shoes.
DeleteI will always remember the visit of TQ and PW ang how people hugged him looking for some consolation. He promised to come back when he was leaving and he did keep his promise.
ReplyDeleteI remember. There was huge grief and anger, against politicians mainly, and there was a point where someone seemed to direct that anger to the queen. And William stepped up and promised he would be back. And he was. That was the first time I saw him as a future king and I liked how he protected the Queen.
DeleteAgree, Natacha. When you pay attention to what he does and says and how he conducts himself there’s nothing but admiration for William.
DeleteWell said both Anon 08:05 and Natacha. William stepped up then, and now.
DeleteI think Prince William has been very well trained for the job ahead. By his parents, grandparents and even the late Queen Mother. Sometimes he can look very serious and even anxious. I think he knows only too well the responsibility that rests on his shoulders. He is doing a fantastic job with the support of his lovely wife. S. ☺
DeleteThis was a terrible event -- I remember being staggered by the pictures -- so it's good to see that the human toll is still being acknowledged and commemorated. I admired the involvement of Meghan Sussex in the cookbook project. I'm glad to see the Cambridges at this event.
ReplyDeleteThis is a Suzannah dress, isn't it? I like Suzannah Crabb's retro designs, though that sort of look has never suited me. What I really love here are the shoes. I thought at first that they were a similar design by Jennifer Chamandi that I've been eyeing. Both styles are quite attractive.
Chamandi is British, so I've been thinking that her shoes might appear on the Duchess's feet.
So glad that chose to attend this event. What a horrible tragedy 5 years ago. And I appreciate that she wore a nice elegant rewear. At this point I’m more into new clothes for certain events that look different and aren’t the same style (and color) that she already owns. Love these fun shoes!!!! Thank you Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see William and Catherine attending this memorial and it's a very appropriate rewear by the Duchess. As much as I was hoping to see her at Royal Ascot, this was a more fitting and worthy event to attend. She looks lovely and the shoes are a great new twist. Am liking her shoe game these days.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved the shoes!!! I really thought they made the outfit. I was also grateful to see them at this event.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memorial service. I'm glad that William and Catherine attended, it's a wonderful tribute to those who lost their lives, and to their families. Without meaning to seem political, I recognize the inequities - this tragedy demonstrates it. It seems a bit inappropriate to comment on Catherine's dress. I'll simply say that I love it. Thanks for a touching post.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte ,you stated above that the Cookbook, raised over £250,000. I think this figure is wrong. Can you check. I think it is closer to over 500,000
ReplyDeleteThe comment to check the amount raised is from me, Noor. I forgot to enter my Name.
ReplyDeleteNoor,
Noor you are correct, thank you!
DeleteRegardless of how much it made, very good work and credit where it is due. S. ☺
DeleteIt was nice to see William and Catherine attending this memorial its was solemn the duchess looks good in recycling queen
ReplyDeleteIt is very admirable that the Cambridge have such a quantity of serious engagements this week and that they miss Ascot. This year it is a wise decision as such events seem a bit shallow in the current context. But my frivolous side would have liked to see Kate in a gorgeous new hat. Anyway I am enjoying the splendid hats worn by otherBRF-today Sarah Tindal was stunning.
ReplyDeleteI agree Natacha, the decision to attend the memorial was by far the right one. But, I too am still hoping for an outing for William and Kate at Ascot this year. Although the other royal ladies have been absolutely slaying it at Royal Ascot, Beatrice, Zara, and Sophie have been very impressive and all look like they are having a good time. Even Princess Anne looks quite divine. With everything going on in the world, it is nice though, to see a little bit of life coming back and people out enjoying themselves.
DeleteOne thing I have noticed from K&W right from the start is a conscious decision not to create expectations that they are not willing or might not be able to fullfill. And Ascot is one of those events. They do not want to create the expectation that they will attend every year like the Queen did. So I am not surprised that they decided to give it a skip this year to rather take on other engagements.
DeleteI love that Will and Kate attended this event and mixed in with the community. Kate, lovely as usual, but her shoes are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte, for this timely, post. I hope this memorial service brings comfort to the many victims' loved ones, and community. Theu, and their loved ones are remembered. Prince William's & Duchess Catherine's paricipation, shows a natural sincerity, continued concern & awareness.
ReplyDeleteWilliam & Catherine looked great & approachable. (Her shoes were perfect).
Kate looks lovely as always but I find the dress a bit of a boring style. Love the shoes they would have looked lovely with the black pants she wore the other day.
ReplyDelete