Royals

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s poignant message to Grenfell Tower Fire survivors

''We joined survivors in remembering those lost.''
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To mark the fifth anniversary of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attended a memorial service held at the foot of the tower in London.

The multi-faith service, organised by a group of survivors and bereaved families, featured prayers, readings and choir performances.

Following the service, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said It was an “honour” to meet Grenfell United, via their official Instagram page.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attended a Grenfell Tower Fire memorial service.

(Image: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)

72 people tragically lost their lives in the Grenfell fire.

(Image: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)

Taking to Instagram, the royals shared a slew of photos from the service, featuring moments where they spoke to attendees as well as a bouquet of flowers with an accompanying card.

The card read “In remembrance of all those we have lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always,” and was signed by William and Catherine.

The caption read: “Five years ago, 72 people tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire at Grenfell Tower. Today during a memorial service, we joined survivors in remembering those lost.

WATCH: Catherine hands out gifts to Grenfell Tower fire victims in 2017

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“It was an honour to meet the people of Grenfell United who organised the service and play a vital role providing pastoral care for those affected and advocating for families to ensure that such a tragic event is never repeated.”

Due to COVID-19, this year’s service was the first in three years, with Grenfell United transiting to individual visits to survivors during the height of the pandemic.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex with The Hubb Community Kitchen.

(Image: Instagram)

Will and Catherine weren’t the only royals who reached out on the anniversary of the tragedy, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex also checked in with those affected.

As shared via London’s The Hubb Community Kitchen Instagram page – a group of women who have come together to cook and help the local community – the duchess sent a voice message enquiring about the group.

“Today we received a lovely voice message from the Duchess, being the 5 years anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy, asking how we are, about our children and families and giving us news of hers. Just being her beautiful kind self,” the post read.

The anecdote was accompanied by a throwback picture of Meghan with the community kitchen on the day of their cookbook release.

“The Duchess had wrapped a book for each one of us and wrote a lovely message to each lady on the first page. Always very thoughtful.”

William and Catherine said it was an “honour” to attend the service.

(Image: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)

On June 14th 2017, a fire broke out in the kitchen of a fourth floor flat in Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, West London.

Within minutes it had spread up the building’s exterior across all four sides, alighting most of the upper floors.

A few months after the fire, Prince William and Prince Harry met with those affected.

At the time, the brothers spoke to a survivor called Marcio who later told reporters: “The princes were amazing. They really knew what they were talking about. You could see that they meant what they were saying.”

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