The Duke of Cambridge gave a poignant speech on grief and remembering at the opening of the Glade of Light Memorial in Manchester, sharing that he lives “with his own grief” and knows that what matters most “is that those we have lost are not forgotten.”
The Glade of Light stands in memory of the victims and survivors of the Manchester Arena Terrorist Attack, which took place on 22 May 2017, and has been erected alongside Manchester Cathedral, where William and Kate attended a memorial service.
In a speech, William spoke powerfully about grief and remembrance, saying: “As someone who lives with his own grief, I also know that what often matters most to the bereaved is that those we have lost are not forgotten. There is comfort in remembering. In acknowledging that, while taken horribly soon, they lived. They changed our lives. They were loved, and they are loved. It is why memorials such as the Glade of Light are so important. Why Catherine and I so wanted to be amongst you today.”
He continued: “A memorial is a physical statement that the memory of those who died lives o. It is a focal point for commemoration and reflection. A place of solace for the families, the injured and all those affected. A place for Mancunians and visitors alike to acknowledge what the City went through. It is a counter to the violence and hateful disregard for human life that caused this tragedy.”
The Glade of Light’s design was chosen following an international competition and features a white marble halo with the names of those lost set upon it in bronze. Within the stone, memory capsules filled with trinkets from the victims’ families are embedded. The Glade of Light is set in a tranquil garden space that allows visitors time and space for remembrance and reflection.
Following the service, William and Kate walked through the garden area, and Kate laid flowers in tribute. The royals then attended a private reception to meet with families of those lost in the terrorist attack and the first responders who were on the scene.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig told People magazine, “Having the royal family here is a really important tribute in my mind. They joined us for the first anniversary, so for many of these families, it’s the second occasion they’ve met the royal family. It sends a really strong message that five years on they haven’t been forgotten. Five years on to have the same level of guests is really important. It’s important that they mark an event like this and the families value it.”
“When we come to the memorial,” William’s speech ended, “let’s look back with love for those we lost. Let’s look back with love for the people who cared for and protected this community. And let’s look back with love for the ongoing strength of the great city of Manchester.”
