The Queen's Message after Westminster Attack

The Queen has sent a message of sympathy and support to the Metropolitan Police following the terror attack in Westminster in which an officer was killed. The message was sent on March 23rd - the day the Queen was meant to be visiting New Scotland Yard for an official opening. Instead, condolences have been conveyed.

Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message to the Acting Commissioner of the @metpoliceuk following yesterday's events https://t.co/jiNeA3xqFh

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 23, 2017

The message was sent to the Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Craig Mackey, and begins ''Following the shocking events in Westminster, Prince Philip and I are sorry that we will not be able to open the New Scotland Yard building as planned today, for very understandable reasons.''  The Queen says she hopes to visit at a later date before adding ''my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected by yesterday's awful violence.  I know I speak for everyone in expressing my enduring thanks and admiration for the members of the Metropolitan Police Service and all who work so selflessly to help and protect others.''  It is signed, Elizabeth R.

It is the first statement from the Royal Family following the attack which took place just after 2.40 on Wednesday, March 22nd. A man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge - three people died as a result and 40 others were injured. The man then ran into New Palace Yard at the Houses of Parliament and stabbed a police officer, PC Keith Palmer, who died.  The attacker was shot and also died. Silences were held across the country this morning for those who died and were injured including a tribute in the House of Commons and one at New Scotland Yard. 

Conmocionados por el atentado de Londres, toda nuestra solidaridad con el pueblo británico y sus instituciones en la lucha contra el terror.

— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) March 22, 2017

In the hours after the attack, the Spanish Royal Household released a short and heartfelt message on its official Twitter account, sharing its solidarity with the British people and with its institutions in the fight against terror.

Photo credit: Wiki Commons.