King’s Guard honors September 11 victims at Buckingham Palace

The King’s Guard held a ceremony at Buckingham Palace to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks, marking the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. The event continued a tradition of solidarity established by Queen Elizabeth II, who authorized the playing of the United States national anthem during the changing of the guard shortly after the 2001 attacks.

The Coldstream Guards Band performed American commemorative music, including ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Hymn to the Fallen’, and compositions by John Philip Sousa. The ceremony also featured the national anthems of both the United Kingdom and the United States.

King Charles III was represented at the event by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester. U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stephens was also in attendance, joining approximately 40 British and American guests. This tribute follows a state visit in April 2026, during which the King and Queen Camilla visited the National September 11 Memorial in New York.