William, Kate and Harry Join Families & Victims for Service of Hope Inspirational Fun Stories and Articles

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey following the terror attacks which took place in Westminster on 22 March.

It's been two weeks since the senseless terror attack took place in Westminster. Around fifty people were injured and those who lost their lives were Aysha Frade, a British teacher on her way to collect her children from school. Kurt Cochran a tourist from the United States who was visiting to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife Melissa. 75 year-old Leslie Rhodes from Claphan in South-West London. An unarmed police officer, PC Keith Palmer who was on duty with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection command also lost his life. A Romanian woman Adreea Cristea who was on holiday with her boyfriend was the fifth victim to lose her life.

Last week Prince William laid a wreath in memory of PC Palmer, his note read "For PC Keith Palmer and all those who have served our community so valiantly; your legacy is our way of life. William."

Westminster Abbey shared a photo of floral tributes.

William, Kate and Harry were received by the Dean of Westminster at the Great West Gate.

Prince William laid a wreath of spring flowers including red and white roses and gerbera at the Innocent Victims Memorial.

The card read "In memory of the innocent lives lost to us all on the 22nd March 2017".

In a press release Westminster Abbey noted "The major denominations and faiths in the United Kingdom will be represented at the service".

Attendees included The Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP, with the Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Craig Mackey. Families of those killed in the attack, together with other victims, witnesses and first responders from the police, fire, paramedics, RNLI, lifeboat and NHS hospital services were also in the congregation.

William, Kate and Harry take their seats.

The Order of Service can be viewed here.

The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, said:

'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 gave a powerful reading from Luke 10: 29–37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

William read:

'Wanting to justify himself, a lawyer asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’

The royals listening to prayer readings.

Candles were lit throughout the Abbey church.

The congregation lighting candles as part of the Act of Commitment.

It was a poignant moment as the candles were lit and the choir sang.

Paramedics from London Ambulance Service who played such a vital role on the day. William paid an unannounced visit to them after the attack.

After the service, the royals went to the Jerusalem Chamber to meet families and victims.

Prince William meets with officials who were there on the day.

Prince Harry with first responders, who were on Westminster Bridge during the attack.

The BBC wrapped up their live coverage with this very apt quote from John 1:5:

'The light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it'.

The Duchess wore her M Missoni Long Snake Stitch Coat. Kate debuted the piece in France last year for events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. It was a very appropriate choice for the service.

Made in Italy, the coat features front button closure and patch pockets. It is described: "Silver metallic threads shimmer within the monochromatic hues defining a textured A-line coat that's visually shaped with an angled zigzag pattern." The £2,900 piece has been sold out for some time.