Following Wednesday’s terrorist incident in central-London, which left four dead and approximately 40 injured, England’s reigning monarch has offered her “deepest sympathy” to those affected.
Queen Elizabeth II — who was just two kilometres away in Buckingham Palace when the attack occurred — issued a statement via Metropolitan police commissioner Craig Mackey, Thursday morning.
“Following the shocking events in Westminster, Prince Philip and I are sorry that we will not be able to open the New Scotland Yard building as planned today, for very understandable reasons. I look forward to visiting at a later date,” the statement began.
“My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected by yesterday’s awful violence,” her message continued. “I know I speak for everyone in expressing my enduring thanks and admiration for the members of the Metropolitan Police Service and all who work so selflessly to help and protect others.”
A spokesperson from the Royal Collection Trust confirmed that along with Parliament, Buckingham Palace was also placed on lockdown after the attack.
While Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh cancelled their scheduled engagement at New Scotland Yard, for the Duchess of Cambridge it was business as usual.
The 35-year-old royal attended the launch of the Out of the Blue film series at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on Thursday.
The documentary film series – created by Best Beginnings, a charity partner of the Heads Together campaign – aims to raise awareness and provide a deeper look into mental health during the early years of parenthood.
Kate’s appearance was a lovely show of strength in light of the week’s atrocities.
Kate’s powerful speech began with a touching tribute to all those affected by the Westminster terror attack.
The Duchess chose a red gingham two-piece, designed by Eponine London, for the occasion.
Before delivering a powerful speech on the realities of motherhood, Kate made sure to express her sympathy to all those affected by the Westminster terror attack.
“Before I begin, I know you would all want to join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to all those sadly affected by yesterday’s terrible attack in Westminster. We will be thinking of all the families, as we discuss the important issues we’re here to talk about,” the speech began.
The royal mother-of-two soon opened up about the difficulties of parenting and admitted that even she, someone who is fortunate enough to count a full-time nanny among her staff, has found the experience of motherhood challenging.
“Personally, becoming a mother has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience. However, at times it has also been a huge challenge — even for me who has support at home that most mothers do not,” she said.
Kate was seen to happily chat with members of a parent support group while at the event.
“Nothing can really prepare you for you the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love and worry, all mixed together. Your fundamental identity changes overnight. You go from thinking of yourself as primarily an individual to suddenly being a mother, first and foremost,” she added.
“You just have to make it up and do the very best you can to care for your family. For many mothers, myself included, this can, at times lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance,” she continued. “Sadly, for some mothers, this experience can be made so much harder due to challenges with their own mental health.”
Dressed in a head-to-toe gingham ensemble designed by Eponine London, Kate called upon mothers who are having a difficult time to raise their hands and seek support.
WATCH: The Duchess of Cambridge opens up on her experience of motherhood. Post continues…
“[It] should not be seen as a sign of weakness,” she said. “Mothers take on an overwhelming responsibility of caring for their families. Their role is vital in providing unconditional love, care and support at home, particularly in the early years of a child’s development. We therefore should do everything we can to support and value their hard work.”
Kate and Prince William, who have been blissfully married since April 2011, share two adorable children – Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, 22 months.
