Queen offers ‘thoughts and prayers’ on 9/11 anniversary

Queen Elizabeth II marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by offering her sympathies to the victims, survivors and families affected by the atrocity.

In a message to US President Joe Biden, the British monarch remembers the “terrible attacks” on New York and Washington, D.C.

“My thoughts and prayers — and those of my family and the entire nation — remain with the victims, survivors and families affected, as well as the first responders and rescue workers called to duty,” she says.

“My visit to the site of the World Trade Center in 2010 is held fast in my memory. It reminds me that as we honor those from many nations, faiths and backgrounds who lost their lives, we also pay tribute to the resilience and determination of the communities who joined together to rebuild.”

The ties between the two nations were marked with a special Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle in which “The Star Spangled Banner” was played. Hundreds gathered inside and outside the walls of the castle to watch.

Just as they did at Buckingham Palace twenty years ago to show solidarity with our US allies, the Band of the @WelshGuards this morning played the US National Anthem at changing of the guard. #911Memorial #NeverForget @Corpsarmymusic @RoyalFamily @UKinUSA @BritishArmy pic.twitter.com/YNktnO5HwE

— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) September 11, 2021

The US national anthem had also been played at Buckingham Palace 20 years ago on September 12, 2001, a mark of solidarity with the US.