A message read by The Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of The King, marking the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings
Published
Today we remember the twenty-one people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously. We also pay heartfelt tribute to those who rushed to their aid.
As you come together to mark fifty years since the terrible events of 21st November 1974, my wife and I would like to take this opportunity to say that you, and all those affected by this dreadful attack, remain very much in our thoughts. Today we remember the twenty-one people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously. We also pay heartfelt tribute to those who rushed to their aid.
What happened on this day fifty years ago was one of so many dreadful tragedies in a devastating period that touched us all, many of us very personally. To see the brave strides forward that have since been made towards lasting peace and meaningful reconciliation, and the close bonds of love and friendship which now bind this city together, makes me exceptionally proud and thankful.
I must also express my sincere admiration for you, the people of Birmingham, who have lived so courageously with the grief of that day and the days that followed. Your exceptional strength of spirit and resolve has truly embodied this wonderful city’s elemental motto: Forward.
I am very sorry that I cannot be with you all today, but my thoughts, prayers and very best wishes remain with you all as you mark this saddest of days.
Related content




The Speech from the Throne, delivered by His Majesty The King, to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada
Honourable Senators, Members of the House of Commons, It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming...
A message from The King following the terrible incident in Liverpool
I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.




State Visit by The President of the French Republic and Mrs Brigitte Macron
Remarks by His Majesty The King at the Presentation of Union Standards to The Household Cavalry, Windsor Castle
Even while you perpetually produce the highest standards of ceremonial magnificence, you remain at the same time a most impressive array of soldiers whose core role, and most...
A speech delivered by The King on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
We unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude, the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation who made that hard-fought victory possible.






A message from The King in recognition of community-based cancer support groups
The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.



A message from The King to mark Easter
There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. “And the greatest of these is love”.

The King’s speech at the State Banquet at the Quirinale Palace, Italy
It is also moving to think that my great, great grandfather, King Edward VII, and my great-grandfather, King George V, both spoke at State Banquets in this very Palace over a...
The King delivers an address to the Italian Parliament
It has been one of the pleasures of my life to come to know this irresistible country, and from Turin to Palermo, Verona to Naples, Florence to Trieste, I have learned a...





The King's message to the regional media industry in the UK
Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share.




A speech delivered by The King during a visit to HMS Prince of Wales whilst at sea
I can only say that I take immense pride in you - the men and women who bring this vessel to life with such indomitable spirit - for your vital service on behalf of us all.
The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2025
The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today.