King Charles III has taken a significant step in honouring the memory of victims of the 9/11 terror attacks, breaking from traditional royal practices to mark the 25th anniversary of this tragic event. The King, alongside Queen Camilla, visited the 9/11 memorial in New York City earlier this year during a state visit to the United States, demonstrating a heartfelt commitment to remembering those whose lives were lost.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/king-charles-queen-elizabeth-091126-294dda615ec5403c9484cd55840da3cb.jpg)
On September 11, the anniversary of the attacks, Buckingham Palace held a variation of its Changing of the Guard ceremony. This occasion was notably marked by the King’s Guard playing the U.S. national anthem, showcasing a profound symbol of solidarity with the American people. The ceremony, which was attended by figures such as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens, served to commemorate the nearly 3,000 individuals who died on that fateful day.
The decision to include “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the Changing of the Guard drew parallels to an extraordinary act by the late Queen Elizabeth II shortly after the attacks in 2001. At that time, she had broken royal protocol by requesting the Coldstream Guards perform the anthem in tribute to the United States, reflecting her deep concern for the American people.
In a formal statement shared through social media, Buckingham Palace noted, “Remembering all those affected by the tragic events of 9/11, 25 years ago today.” This sentiment accompanied a video capturing the poignant ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, where The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester took the Royal Salute on the King’s behalf. The commemorative event featured performances of both the U.S. and UK national anthems, as well as moving renditions of “Hymn to the Fallen” and “Amazing Grace.”
Queen Elizabeth expressed her emotions regarding the attacks in 2001, describing feelings of “growing disbelief and total shock.” Just two days following the tragedy, a large crowd gathered outside Buckingham Palace, drawn by the Coldstream Guards’ performance of the U.S. anthem. Furthermore, during a memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral, the Queen made history by singing the anthem—an unprecedented act for a British monarch.
In a handwritten letter to the people of New York two weeks after the attacks, the Queen praised the resilience of the city and its citizens, acknowledging the unprecedented circumstances they faced. She expressed her condolences and support for those affected, stating, “Grief is the price we pay for love,” highlighting the emotional weight of the tragedy.
King Charles and Queen Camilla continued this legacy of compassion and remembrance during their recent visit to Ground Zero, where they paid their respects to the victims of 9/11 and engaged with first responders, including Will Jimeno, a retired police officer who survived the attacks. Jimeno, who was trapped for over 13 hours beneath the rubble, recounted a personal and meaningful interaction with the royal couple, describing how genuinely interested and engaged they were during their encounter.
The retired officer shared insights into Queen Camilla’s reaction, noting her astonishment at his survival story. Jimeno recalled her heartfelt comments, labelling his experience as a “testament to the human spirit,” which further exemplifies the royal family’s commitment to honouring not only the memories of the fallen but also the strength of those who survived.
The involvement of the royal family in commemorating the 9/11 attacks serves as a reminder of the profound impact these events have had across the world, most notably on the citizens of the United Kingdom, where 67 nationals lost their lives that day. The gestures made by King Charles and Queen Camilla reflect a continuation of royal tradition in standing in solidarity with allies during times of national tragedy.
As the world remembers the horrors of that day, the actions of the British royal family provide a poignant testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual support shared between the UK and the United States. The legacy of remembrance and compassion demonstrated this year underscores the importance of unity in the face of adversity.