Earlier today, Sophie, Countess of Wessex attended a Service of Hope for the victims and families of the London Bridge attack, before paying a visit to Borough Market.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, attended a Service of Hope for the victims of the London Bridge attack, before visiting Borough Market (Southwark Diocesan Communications)
The Countess, dressed in black, went to Southwark Cathedral for the occasion, to hear the sermon preached by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The service was in memory of those who lost their lives 13 days ago, and to bring strength to their friends and families, but also to the survivors
DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE VISITS LONDON BRIDGE VICTIMS & EMERGENCY STAFF
Joining her was the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, Metropolitan police commissioner, Cressida Dick, and the Catholic archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols; plus survivors of the attack, the families of the victims and members of the emergency services who assisted in the attack’s aftermath.
Eight candles – one for each life lost during the attack – were placed on the altar by pupils from a local school. In addition to this, flags of the nations affected by the attack – including Canada, Spain, Australia, and France – were on display, and numerous High Commissioners and ambassadors showed their support with their presence.
The Countess of Wessex, London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan & Home Secretary Amber Rudd at the Service of Hope following the London Bridge attack at Southwark Cathedral (Southwark Diocesan Communications)
The Archbishop said:
Those who planned, committed or advocated these evil deed thought that they could terrify, divide and demoralise Londoners, even the whole British people. Indeed, the produced unity, revealed community on a scale not seen for years. They attacked one of the most vibrant parts of the most cosmopolitan city on earth. In doing so they attacked people from all over the world. Southwark Cathedral today is the focus of a grief that is truly international, immeasurably deep and whose impact will be felt for years.
To you who suffered and who suffer today, we say that we weep with you, our hearts are broken by your pain and agony, we do not have adequate words or the ability to lift from you the great burden which you are bearing, but we will walk alongside you, sharing it as we can and may.
A collection was sent around and the proceeds will go to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity Fund, launched after the attacks in Manchester and London, to assist those affected.
Following the service, Sophie went to the nearby Borough Market and perused the stalls. Prince Harry went yesterday, buying himself some doughnuts.
The market only reopened on Wednesday after the attack, which saw a number of people stabbed in the confines of the market.
Wonderful to have The Countess of Wessex visiting today & supporting our traders @RoyalFamily ? #LoveBorough pic.twitter.com/DNMk99GPBN
— Borough Market (@boroughmarket) June 16, 2017
