Addressing the British people on her official birthday, Queen Elizabeth wrote of a “very sombre national mood” following a “succession of terrible tragedies” that have befallen the British people over the last number of months.
The long-serving monarch was referring to two terrorist attacks, one in London another in Manchester, and a devastating fire that destroyed the Grenfell Tower block in London on Wednesday morning.
Some 30 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the blaze, though the actual number is expected to end up much higher, with scores of people still missing.
Anger has been growing in the British capital, with heated rallies being held as distraught Londoners seek answers as to why the tragedy occurred.
The Royal Family on Twitter
A message from The Queen on Her Majesty’s Official Birthday. https://t.co/vaKt5qj7IZ
Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered a public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire. Many have blamed the fire’s fast spread on the exterior cladding used in the building’s recent £10 million refurbishment.
Governmental authorities had been warned several times over the past few years about the panels, which contain a flammable plastic core and have been linked to fires in France and the US.
RT UK on Twitter
@DavidLammy calls #GrenfellTower tragedy “corporate manslaughter” as MPs were warned against cladding. https://t.co/UKngbkcc3k
Via RT