King Charles has expressed his “shock and sorrow” while remembering those killed and injured in the Manchester synagogue terror attack, saying the memory of the tragedy remains vivid.
A message from the King and Queen Camilla was read to around 800 people gathered at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall during a memorial service on Monday evening.
The King remembers a painful visit
Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Eamonn O’Neal delivered the royal message to the congregation.
Charles recalled visiting the synagogue shortly after the attack, describing the experience as deeply moving and heartbreaking. He said meeting people who had been present and hearing their personal accounts had left a lasting impression.
The King said his thoughts and prayers remained with everyone whose lives were disrupted by the tragedy.
Two lives were lost that day
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed during the attack at the synagogue on October 2.
According to the report, attacker Jihad Al-Shamie drove into the synagogue gates before launching an assault with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt. Police later shot him dead outside the synagogue.
The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Yoni Finlay, who was struck by a stray police bullet during the incident, has also spoken about how the attack changed his life.
Charles praises the community’s strength
The King said the resilience and determination shown by the Jewish community after the attack had left an “indelible impression” on him.
He also paid tribute to the unity, compassion and support that emerged during the aftermath.
As the community remembered those who died and everyone affected by the attack, Charles said their spirit of togetherness had continued to shine through one of the darkest periods.
The message came as the King prepared to resume scheduled royal engagements following his summer break at Balmoral.