In the midst of the royal baby news, Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle had an engagement today, attending the memorial service held in honour of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered 25 years ago in London in a racially motivated attack.
As they arrived at the service, which was held at St-Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, the soon-to-be newlyweds were greeted by Baroness Lawrence, Stephen’s mother, who has campaigned tirelessly since his death. Over 800 guests attended the service, including Prime Minister Theresa May, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn and Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the memorial service held to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Stephen Lawrence (Gustavo Valiente / i-Images)
Prince Harry read a statement during the service on behalf of his father, The Prince of Wales: “It hardly seems possible that twenty-five years have passed since Stephen Lawrence was so cruelly taken from his family. I remember vividly the profound shock that I felt at his senseless murder, a feeling shared by so many people across this country and beyond. I remember, too, just how deeply moved I was by the determination of Stephen’s family to build something positive from the tragedy they endured and to ensure that Stephen’s story did not end with despair, but continued with hope.
“A quarter of a century later, we can only imagine the man who Stephen would have become, and just how his extraordinary potential might have been fulfilled. Stephen’s family have honoured the promise of his life with everything that they have done in his name – the change they have brought about, and the remarkable things they have achieved.
“As you remember Stephen, and mourn what has been lost, it is my special hope that you might all find some comfort in knowing just how much there is to be thankful for – in Stephen’s life and in all that it has inspired”.
Stephen Lawrence was only 18 when he was shot dead in a crime that sent shockwaves through Britain. His mother, Baroness Lawrence, established The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust 20 years ago in memory of her son; the organisation campaigns “for fairness, justice and equality for all”. Prince Harry and Meghan were seated next to Theresa May, who announced that from next year, 22nd April will be a national day of commemoration for Stephen Lawrence.
During the service, Lenny Henry also interviewed three young people who have benefitted from the activities of The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.
This engagement was held just hours after The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her third child, a baby boy. Her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, is said to be “delighted” by the birth of his second nephew. It is thought that Harry and Meghan, along with other family members, will visit the now family of five in the coming days.
