Queen taps into UK’s mood as toll rises to 58
Prime Minister Theresa May came in for trenchant criticism from angry victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy for allegedly being “cold as a fish”, but Queen Elizabeth II was hailed for reflecting the national mood on Saturday, her official birthday.
May’s aides insisted that she was as horrified as anyone by the tragedy, in which police say 58 people are presumed dead, including the 30 already confirmed deaths.
The queen, who met victims and volunteers on Friday at the site of the blaze, celebrates two birthdays each year — her actual birthday on April 21 and her official birthday, usually on the second Saturday in June.
She said in her message on Saturday: “Today is traditionally a day of celebration. This year, however, it is difficult to escape a very sombre national mood. In recent months, the country has witnessed a succession of terrible tragedies.
“During recent visits in Manchester and London, I have been profoundly struck by the immediate inclination of people throughout the country to offer comfort and support to those in desperate need.”
Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy said the death toll “may increase” and that the “significant” recovery operation is likely to take weeks. “As soon as we can, we will locate and recover loved ones,” he said.
Meanwhile, May, stung by criticism, was scheduled to meet victims, volunteers and community leaders in Downing Street on Saturday afternoon, even as angry protests continued at the site and elsewhere in London.
She announced a £5 million package to help the victims, and promised to re-house most of them in the Kensington and Chelsea borough.