How the Queen responded in one of Manchester's darkest hours

In its darkest hours a nation looks to its figureheads for guidance and reassurance. And following the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017 the Queen, who died on Thursday aged 96, responded with a typical humanity and compassion.

In a statement released the day after the atrocity, when 22 people were killed and hundreds more injured when Salman Abedi denotated a suicide bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert, the Queen expressed her 'deepest sympathy', while thanking the members of the emergency services for their 'professionalism and care'.

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She 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.

"I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care. 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."

Two days later, on May 25, the Queen visited Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where she spoke to youngsters injured in the blast. They included 15-year-old Millie Robson, who was wearing a Ariana Grande T-shirt.

She told the Queen how she met the singer backstage at the concert after winning VIP tickets but suffered leg injuries as she was caught up in the attack while leaving the venue. Millie, along with her friend Laura, had just