Queen Elizabeth Responds to 'Act of Barbarity' at Manchester Concert: 'The Whole Nation Has Been Shocked by the Death and Injury'

"The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert," the Queen said

Queen Elizabeth expressed her shock following the “act of barbarity” that claimed the lives of 22 victims at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on Monday night.

In a statement signed Elizabeth R. and issued by Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, the monarch said: “The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert.

“I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.”

And she praised those who rushed to help. “I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care,” her statement added. “And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.”

Prince Charles also released a statement following the attacks. “My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night,” the statement read. “That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness.

“Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling at this incredibly difficult time and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way.”

Prince William followed with a statement on behalf of himself, Princess Kate and Prince Harry.

“Like everyone, Catherine, Harry and I are left shocked and saddened by the tragedy that unfolded in Manchester overnight,” the statement said. “Hundreds of friends, parents, children, and partners are confronting unimaginable grief today, and we send our thoughts to them all.

“We also send our thanks to the people of Manchester for their display of strength, decency, and community that is an example to the world.”

The Queen and her family held a minute of silence at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for the victims of the Manchester bomb attack.

They joined 8,000 guests at a palace garden party in standing silent in honor of the 22 dead and 59 injured at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

The 91-year-old monarch, with Prince Philip, Charles, Camilla and Princess Eugenie, stood in quiet contemplation and respect outside the palace Bow Room as the party guests looked on from the 40-acre garden.

The royal family’s statements came as royals around Europe added their messages of support. The King and Queen of Spain stood for a minute of silence as a statement was released.

“There are no words to condemn these murderers. The rule of law will not surrender to terrorism. Spain with Manchester and United Kingdom,” it said.

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King Willem-Alexander of Netherlands issued a statement: “We are profoundly saddened by the horrific attack in Manchester which has claimed the lives of so many young people. We sympathize deeply with all the parents who have received the dreadful news that their child has died, and with the victims’ other grieving relatives and friends. Our thoughts are also with those who are anxiously awaiting news about the fate of their loved ones.”

And King Carl Gustaf of Sweden sent his family’s wishes to the victims, families and the people of Britain. “This deed is another attack against the open and tolerant society that we all want to live in. It is important that we stand united together against this unimaginable evil,” he said.

Prince Albert of Monaco sent his support to the Queen and the U.K. He wrote, “Your Majesty, It is with a deep emotion that I learnt of the unspeakable tragedy in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the innocent victims of this new act of violence.

“On behalf of the People of Monaco, my family and myself, allow us to express our feelings of deep pain and sorrow. Let me assure Your Majesty of our solidarity for the victims and their families.”

Other statements of support came from Belgium and King Abdullah of Jordan.