'In memory of the innocent lives lost to us all': Prince William leaves touching floral tribute as royals, victims' families and first responders mark two weeks since London terror attacks with Westminster Abbey service 

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have joined families of Westminster terror attack victims
  • Survivors, witnesses and members of the emergency services all attended multi-faith Service of Hope
  • Five people, including terrorist Khalid Masood, were killed and dozens of others injured in the atrocity
  • Royals privately met some members of the congregation, including families of victims and survivors

The Duke of Cambridge left a touching note to the victims of the London terror attacks as he placed a wreath on a memorial outside Westminster Abbey today.

The Prince laid a wreath of spring flowers, including red and white roses and gerbera, at the Innocent Victims memorial as he arrived at the Abbey with his wife and brother for a multi-faith service of hope.

The handwritten note said: 'In memory of the innocent lives, lost to us all on the 22nd March 2017. William.'

The Duke laid a wreath of spring flowers, including red and white roses and gerbera, at the Innocent Victims memorial

The Prince's message said: 'In memory of the innocent lives, lost to us all on the 22nd March 2017. William'

The Prince's message said: 'In memory of the innocent lives, lost to us all on the 22nd March 2017. William'

After the ceremony Mrs Cochran spotted paramedic Mo Adimora who came to her aid on that day and gave him a big hug
Melissa Cochran who lost her husband in the Westminster attack

After the ceremony Mrs Cochran spotted paramedic Mo Adimora who came to her aid on that day and gave him a big hug

Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry stand silent during the service
Duchess of Cambridge flashes a smile

Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry stand silent during the service (left), while the Duchess of Cambridge flashes a smile (right)

Around 1,800 people gathered at Westminster Abbey for the Service of Hope, two weeks on from Khalid Masood's murderous rampage which saw five people killed and dozens injured.

American tourist Melissa Payne Cochran, who lost her husband in the horrific incident, also attended the service and smiled as she arrived at the Abbey accompanied by her parents. She sustained a broken leg and shattered ribs in the attack. 

After the ceremony Mrs Cochran spotted paramedic Mo Adimora, who came to her aid that day, and gave him a hug. 

A card on the wreath, signed by William, read: 'In memory of the innocent lives; lost to us all on the 22nd March, 2017.'

The royals were greeted by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Craig Mackey before processing down the aisle, where emergency services personnel lined the front row. 

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend John Hall, led the service and Prince William gave a Bible reading from Luke, Chapter 10, about the Good Samaritan, while Home Secretary Amber Rudd read from Jeremiah.

Following the service William, Kate and Harry met in private with some members of the congregation, including the families of the victims and survivors of the attack. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive for a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in London

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive for a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in London

American tourist Melissa Payne Cochran (pictured) who lost her husband, broke her leg and shattered her ribs in last month’s terrorist attack, is pictured arriving at Westminster Abbey’s Service of Hope this afternoon

American tourist Melissa Payne Cochran (pictured) who lost her husband, broke her leg and shattered her ribs in last month's terrorist attack, is pictured arriving at Westminster Abbey's Service of Hope this afternoon

It is the first time Mrs Cochran, who was in London with her husband celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary, has been seen in public since the attack although she has been pictured in hospital

It is the first time Mrs Cochran, who was in London with her husband celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary, has been seen in public since the attack although she has been pictured in hospital

Prince William gave a Bible reading from Luke, Chapter 10, while Home Secretary Amber Rudd read from Jeremiah

Prince William gave a Bible reading from Luke, Chapter 10, while Home Secretary Amber Rudd read from Jeremiah

The royals held on to their services during the memorial ceremony in honour of the victims who died in the terror attack 

The royals held on to their services during the memorial ceremony in honour of the victims who died in the terror attack 

After the service the royals met the families of victims and some of the survivors for a private meeting

After the service the royals met the families of victims and some of the survivors for a private meeting

Metropolitan Police officers are pictured at the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in London, following the terror attack

Metropolitan Police officers are pictured at the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in London, following the terror attack

Each member of the congregation clutched a single candle as prayers were read by those of all faiths, including Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger and Mr Khan (pictured)

Each member of the congregation clutched a single candle as prayers were read by those of all faiths, including Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger and Mr Khan (pictured)

Witnesses and members of the emergency services involved in the response effort are among the congregation for the service - held just minutes from where the attack unfolded.  

VICTIM'S TRIBUTE TO MURDERED HUSBAND

By Anthony Joseph and Rachael Burford for MailOnline

An American tourist, who survived London's terror attack, broke down in tears as she spoke about the 'love of her life husband' who was killed on the bridge.

In her first interview since the horrific events two weeks, Mellisa Cochran said she bears no grudge against terrorist Khalid Masood - the man who murdered her husband Kurt.

Mrs Cochran, from Utah, has had to learn to walk again in hospital after surgery on her leg and said her family are keeping her strong as she recovers from the loss of her husband and her own physical injuries.

Mrs Cochran said she bears no grudge against the man who killed her husband Kurt

She told the BBC: 'I'm extremely proud of him and very happy that the world now knows what a wonderful man he was. He would probably hate all the publicity. He was a very private man. He was kind, generous and sweet and the love of my life .

'Fortunately I have a wonderful family and am able to take their strength and recover. Kurt would have wanted me to keep going.

'I don't feel any ill will to him. I can't relate I just know that he didn't have the qualities and beautiful heart my husband had. I feel sorry for him. No hate.' 

Five people, including terrorist Masood, were killed and dozens of others injured in the 82-second atrocity on Wednesday March 22.

Mrs Cochran's husband Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, and Aysha Frade, 44, died when the Muslim convert drove at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge. 

The 52-year-old attacker was shot dead by armed police after fatally stabbing PC Keith Palmer, 48, in the Palace of Westminster's cobbled forecourt.

Speaking at the service, Dr Hall told the congregation: 'We are all affected by the attack a fortnight ago on Westminster Bridge and at the gates of the Palace of Westminster, and we are all left bewildered and disturbed.

'But our sense of loss and diminishment is paled by comparison with that of the families of those who died: Aysha Frade, Kurt Cochran and Leslie Rhodes on the bridge, and Police Constable Keith Palmer on duty at the gates of Parliament, and all those who were injured. Our hearts go out to them in sympathy and prayer and love.'

He continued: 'What happened a fortnight ago leaves us bewildered. What could possibly motivate a man to hire a car and take it from Birmingham to Brighton to London, and then drive it fast at people he had never met, couldn't possibly know, against whom he had no personal grudge, no reason to hate them and then run at the gates of the Palace of Westminster to cause another death? It seems likely that we shall never know.

'No doubt it was in imitation of the attacks in Nice and Berlin. But what on earth did he hope to achieve? Such random acts of aggression are nothing new.' 

In a poignant moment of reflection - The Act of Commitment - candles were lit while the choir sang.

Each member of the congregation clutched a single candle as prayers were read by those of all faiths, including Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger and Mr Khan. 

It is the first time Mrs Cochran, who was in London with her husband celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary, has been seen in public since the attack although she has been pictured in hospital. 

She attended the service with her parents Sandra and Dimmon Payne. Her siblings, who flew over to Britain for a press conference, have now returned to the United States.

Last night her brother Clint told MailOnline: 'Melissa will be attending a memorial service at Westminster Abbey with my parents and sister in London this Wednesday.

'I am told they will have a brief meeting with members of the royal family. We hope she will be able to return to Utah soon. I have returned with my siblings to the United States.'   

Melissa Cochran's parents Sandra, and Dimmon attend Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey this afternoon

Melissa Cochran's parents Sandra, and Dimmon attend Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey this afternoon

Prince Harry looks solemn as he makes his way inside Westminster Abbey
Kate attends the service

Prince Harry (left) looked sombre as he arrived for the ceremony with his sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge

Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey today

Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey today

Prince William, Kate the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stand together after William laid a wreath at the memorial

Prince William, Kate the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stand together after William laid a wreath at the memorial

Family members were among those to attend the service, which took place at Westminster Abbey this afternoon

Family members were among those to attend the service, which took place at Westminster Abbey this afternoon

Police officers and families of those affected by the Westminster terror attack make their way inside for the service

Police officers and families of those affected by the Westminster terror attack make their way inside for the service

The multi-faith Service of Hope is being held for the four people killed when Khalid Masood embarked upon his rampage

The multi-faith Service of Hope is being held for the four people killed when Khalid Masood embarked upon his rampage

Survivors, witnesses and members of the emergency services have come together for the multi-faith Service of Hope

Ambulance staff and guests arrive at Westminster Abbey for a service to commemorate the Westminster terror attack 

Ambulance staff and guests arrive at Westminster Abbey for a service to commemorate the Westminster terror attack 

Amanda Rhodes, the niece of Westminster terror attack victim Leslie Rhodes, arrives for the service at Westminster

Amanda Rhodes, the niece of Westminster terror attack victim Leslie Rhodes, arrives for the service at Westminster

London Ambulance Service personnel arrive for the service at Westminster Abbey - minutes from the scene of the attack

London Ambulance Service personnel arrive for the service at Westminster Abbey - minutes from the scene of the attack

Travis Frain, 19, was among those hit by Masood's car on Westminster Bridge
Jeremy Corbyn arrives at Westminster Abbey

Travis Frain, 19, was among those hit by Masood's car on Westminster Bridge, breaking his hand and foot. The politics student is seen arriving at the ceremony today (left). Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (right) was also in attendance

Metropolitan Police officers attending the service. PC Keith Palmer, 48, was killed during the terror rampage last month

Metropolitan Police officers attending the service. PC Keith Palmer, 48, was killed during the terror rampage last month

Sadiq Khan
Harriet Harman MP

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and MP Harriet Harman are pictured arriving attending a service of hope at Westminster Abbey

Armed police ahead of a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in London following the Westminster terror attack

Armed police ahead of a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in London following the Westminster terror attack

Mrs Cochran in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Westminster Bridge. Her husband died during the incident

Mrs Cochran in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Westminster Bridge. Her husband died during the incident

American tourist Melissa Payne Cochran, who broke her leg and shattered her ribs in last month’s terrorist attack, is expected to leave her hospital bed for Westminster Abbey’s Service of Hope. Her husband Kurt (left) died in the horrific incident

American tourist Melissa Payne Cochran, who broke her leg and shattered her ribs in last month's terrorist attack, is expected to leave her hospital bed for Westminster Abbey's Service of Hope. Her husband Kurt (left) died in the horrific incident

Keith Palmer

Retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, (left) and Aysha Frade, 44, (centre) died when Masood drove into people on Westminster Bridge. The 52-year-old attacker was shot dead by armed police after fatally stabbing PC Keith Palmer, 48 (right)

Announcing the Service of Hope, Westminster Abbey wrote: 'A Service of Hope Following the Terror Attack in Westminster will be held in Westminster Abbey at Noon on Wednesday 5th April. 'The service will be attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, and will be broadcast live on BBC Television.

An inquest has been opened into the death of Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood, who died from a gunshot wound 

An inquest has been opened into the death of Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood, who died from a gunshot wound 

'Families of those killed in the attack, together with other victims, witnesses and first responders from the police, fire, paramedics, RNLI, lifeboat and NHS hospital services will be among the congregation.' 

The service, which will take place at noon, will be broadcast live on the BBC.

Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood was killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest, a court heard last week.

The 52-year-old killer was pronounced dead at 3.35pm – just under an hour after he embarked on his murderous mission on Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, an inquest into his death was told.

Westminster Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox also took the unusual step of offering her sympathies to Masood's family, 'who are also victims of this incident'.

Coroners Officers Eric Sword told inquest that the terrorist had been identified by 'finger prints and DNA'.

Masood was taken to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where he was later pronounced dead.

Mr Sword said: 'The cause of death was gun-shot wound to the chest. His time of death was recorded at 15.35.' 

The aftermath of the attack in which Masood (top) was shot after stabbing PC Palmer (right)

The aftermath of the attack in which Masood (top) was shot after stabbing PC Palmer (right)

 

Survivor of Westminster terror attack Melissa Cochran cries as she speaks for the first time about the 'love of her life husband' who was murdered on the bridge

By Keiligh Baker, Anthony Joseph and Rachael Burford for MailOnline

An American tourist, who survived London's terror attack, broke down in tears as she spoke about the 'love of her life husband' who was killed on the bridge.

In her first interview since the horrific events two weeks, Mellisa Cochran said she bears no grudge against terrorist Khalid Masood - the man who murdered her husband Kurt.

Mrs Cochran, from Utah, has had to learn to walk again in hospital after surgery on her leg and said her family are keeping her strong as she recovers from the loss of her husband and her own physical injuries.

Mrs Cochran said she bears no grudge against the man who killed her husband Kurt

She told the BBC: 'I'm extremely proud of him and very happy that the world now knows what a wonderful man he was. He would probably hate all the publicity. He was a very private man. He was kind, generous and sweet and the love of my life .

'Fortunately I have a wonderful family and am able to take their strength and recover. Kurt would have wanted me to keep going.

'I don't feel any ill will to him. I can't relate I just know that he didn't have the qualities and beautiful heart my husband had. I feel sorry for him. No hate.' 

In newly released pictures Melissa Cochran can be seen slowly making her way up the stairs with the aid of two crutches and a nurse as she recovers from her injuries at a London hospital 

Mrs Cochran had not been told what had happened to her husband until her family arrived at the hospital.

She said: 'It was after my surgery on my leg. I had come out of recovery and they placed me in a hospital room and my parents had come to visit and were there waiting for me when I came out.

'I asked them to find out what had happened to my husband. Previously no-one could tell me - no-one had any information. My parents came back in the room and both held my hands and said that he didn't make it, which crushed me.

'Fortunately I have a wonderful family so I am able to take their strength and recover. It has been difficult, obviously, but Kurt would have wanted me to keep going and with such a beautiful family that I have it's been okay.'

Mrs Cochran, from Utah, is said to be 'getting stronger every day' and images were also released of her smiling and waving her crutches above her head on Saturday

Mrs Cochran, from Utah, is said to be 'getting stronger every day' and images were also released of her smiling and waving her crutches above her head on Saturday

Mrs Cochran spoke to the BBC today - her first interview since the Westminster terror attack

Mrs Cochran spoke to the BBC today - her first interview since the Westminster terror attack

Melissa Cochran, from Utah, is seen smiling and waving her crutches above her head on Saturday. This is the first image of the 46-year-old outside the hospital where she is recovering from her injuries after London's terror attack that left her with a broken leg and widowed

Melissa Cochran, from Utah, is seen smiling and waving her crutches above her head on Saturday. This is the first image of the 46-year-old outside the hospital where she is recovering from her injuries after London's terror attack that left her with a broken leg and widowed

In a picture taken on Saturday, Mrs Cochran can be seen slowly making her way up the stairs with the aid of two crutches and a nurse as she recovers from her injuries.

A second picture shows her smiling at the bottom of the staircase being hugged by a relative with one of her legs still in a metal brace.

Mrs Cochran, from Utah, is said to be 'getting stronger every day'.

It was the first time she has been seen outside her hospital room since the horrific terror attack in central London, which saw Masood mow down innocent people walking along Westminster Bridge on March 22.

Melissa Cochran says she is 'getting stronger every day' after losing her husband Kurt Cochran on March 22, where Khalid Masood mowed down innocent people on Westminster Bridge. She was pictured for the first time since the attack on Friday

Melissa Cochran says she is 'getting stronger every day' after losing her husband Kurt Cochran on March 22, where Khalid Masood mowed down innocent people on Westminster Bridge. She was pictured for the first time since the attack on Friday

She has also thanked people from all around the world for the 'outpouring of love and generosity' they have shown her and Kurt

She has also thanked people from all around the world for the 'outpouring of love and generosity' they have shown her and Kurt

The 46-year-old's husband, Kurt, died on the final day of the couple's European trip to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. He was thrown onto a concrete underpass.

Meanwhile, Melissa Cochran was left with a broken leg and a gashed head. A photograph of her being comforted by a passerby on the sidewalk in the aftermath became one of the defining images of the attack.

Her family has thanked people for the 'outpouring of love and generosity' they have shown for her and her late husband. 

On Friday, the first images of the widow were revealed and showed her smiling while standing on crutches with her left leg in a cage after an operation. 

In the other she is shown smiling in bed while taking a selfie surrounded by her family and friends.

Her brother Clint Payne said on the family's GoFundMe page: 'Her health is steadily improving and she has been strengthened by the presence of her family. She is so grateful for the outpouring of love and generosity.

'So many people have been so kind, and we are deeply touched by their goodness and generosity.

'The most difficult part of all of this is that Kurt is no longer with us, and we miss him terribly. He was an amazing individual who loved everyone and tried to make the world a better place.' 

Members of her family gathered at New Scotland Yard – and just 100 yards from the scene of the carnage – to thank all those who had helped them in recent days. 

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.