Royals attend Service of Hope

Wednesday, 5th April 2017

Royals attend Service of Hope

Westminster Abbey held a Service of Hope following the terror attack in Westminster.

The service at Noon on Wednesday 5th April was attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The service was also attended by the Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP; the Rt Hon The Lord Fowler, Lord Speaker; the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons and the Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.

The service was taken by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding:

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.

The Home Secretary read Jeremiah 31: 15-17 and The Duke of Cambridge read St Luke 10: 29-37.

The Address was given by the Dean.

Natalie Clein, cellist, played Song of the Birds (trad., arranged by Natalie Clein after Pablo Casals) and Prelude from Cello Suite in G bwv 1007 (J.S.Bach)

During an Act of Commitment candles were lit by the congregation throughout the Abbey church.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Christopher Stoltz, Minor Canon and Precentor of Westminster and said by Commander Mak Chishty, Metropolitan Police Service; Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger DBE; Aliya Azam; Police Constable Jaskaran Garcha, Metropolitan Police Service; the Reverend Anthony Ball, Canon in Residence; and the Mayor of London.

The service was sung by the Special Service Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell, the Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist, and before the service by Matthew Jorsyz, Assistant Organist.

After the service Their Royal Highness's The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry met the bereaved families and representatives of the emergency services.

Order of Service

TAGS
Special Service | Royal Visit | HRH The Duke of Cambridge | HRH The Duchess of Cambridge | HRH Prince Henry of Wales | Prince Harry
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