King Charles's moving message to Birmingham pub bombings memorial in first for city's emotional event

A senior member of the Royal family delivered a message from the King on a solemn day for Birmingham. There were emotional scenes on Thursday November 21, as crowds gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, delivered King Charles' message to the crowds outside New Street on Thursday afternoon. Members of the community, politicians and dignitaries held back tears as a service, and a one minute silence, was held to remember the victims.

21 people were killed, and almost 200 maimed and injured, when two IRA bombs exploded in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs on November 21, 1974. The blasts remain one of the largest unsolved mass murders in British history, and relatives of the victims have renewed calls for a full public inquiry as they mark 50 years since losing loved ones.

READ MORE: 'We will die together' - Untold stories of the Birmingham pub bombings

The Duchess of Edinburgh's visit was the first royal visit to Birmingham for a pub bombings memorial. The senior Royal delivered a moving speech from the King, who said:"As you come together to mark 50 years since the terrible events of 21st November 1974, my wife and I would like to take this opportunity to say that you and all those affected by this dreadful attack remain very much in our thoughts.

"Today, we remember the 21 people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously." Tributes were also paid by the King to those who provided aid on the bloody night and in the aftermath.

He spoke of his "sincere admiration for people of Birmingham" and praised the "exceptional strength" of the city, as well as its motto of 'forward.' The King ended: "I'm very sorry that I cannot be with you all today, but my thoughts, prayers and very best wishes remain with you all, as you mark this saddest of days."

Memorial to mark 50th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings

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As the service went on, talented students from Bishop Challoner Catholic College performed specially commissioned pieces for the event. Roses were laid at the foot of a permanent memorial to victims, which sits outside New Street. The memorial is made of huge sculptural steel trees, with 21 leaves - one for each life lost.

Tributes were also paid to emergency services at the time who worked at the scene and the casualties in hospital as well as taxis who drove victims to hospital for free. For the 50th anniversary we are asking people to leave a tribute message to families still fighting for justice.

As the city fell silent at 2pm, Brummies were left to reflect on the message of peace and meaningful reconciliation. The service concluded with the message of the close bond of love and friendship that binds the city together.

The terror attack remains Britain's largest unsolved mass murder and families have called for a fresh inquiry that could reveal 'new information' that may finally lead to justice. You can read more on the tireless campaign lead by families of victims, here.