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William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester

Posted by Susan T on May 10, 2022, 10:33 am

The Glade of Light memorial is a memorial to 22 people murdered in the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017.

The Duke, 39, and Duchess of Cambridge, 40, were sombre as they arrived at the structure, which is a white marble 'halo' bearing the names of those killed in the attack, alongside Manchester Cathedral today.

Families of those who lost loved ones in the May 2017 atrocity have been able to make personalised memory capsules, containing mementos and messages embedded inside the halo of the 'Glade of Light' memorial.

The Duke and Duchess attended the service taking place alongside the memorial where Prince William went on to make a short speech, in which he spoke of his own grief for his mother, Princess Diana.

Prince William said: '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.'

The royal couple then took a short walk around the memorial garden, where Kate lay a bouquet of white and blue flowers.

Prince William and Kate went on to join a private reception inside Manchester Cathedral, where they spoke with some of the bereaved families and those involved in the response effort.

Link: Daily Mail

Re: William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester

Posted by Martha on May 10, 2022, 12:06 pm, in reply to "William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester"

They feel relaxed, gracious and focused at these appearances. There's no sense of rushing through, rushing off or having somewhere else to be. The Cambridges are 100% present with the people who turn out for them and the event they're attending, much like Elizabeth and Phillip in their glamorous youth. Catherine especially seems to understand that she doesn't have to do anything for attention because all eyes are already on her.

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Re: William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester

Posted by karenl on May 10, 2022, 7:27 pm, in reply to "Re: William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester"

Yep, the Cambridges, along with the other "Senior" royals, these visits are about engaging with the public and officials involved. There's press coverage, but it's not about the press. In addition, it's not about hurrying through at top speed and constantly pulling one's spouse away from a conversation because it's taking over 5 sec. There are time limits, but we've never seen Catherine actually pull her husband from a conversation. It's about showing sincere interest and caring.

Re: William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester

Posted by Hollie24 on May 10, 2022, 8:42 pm, in reply to "Re: William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester"

The Cambridges have mastered the art of making their visits all about others. William's words were poignant and focused on the victims and their families. Williamd and Catherine are a real team and do not try to upstage or control each other. They have the talent of making every visit feel truly personal.

Re: William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester

Posted by stephen on May 11, 2022, 1:44 pm, in reply to "William and Catherine visit Glade of Light memorial in Manchester"

What a team!

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