Prince William has made a surprise visit to Manchester in the wake of the terrorist attack in the city.
The 34-year-old royal visited Greater Manchester Police headquarters on Friday morning (02.06.17), where he spoke to the officers who were first on the scene at the Manchester Arena after Salman Abedi detonated a bomb that killed 22 people following an Ariana Grande concert.
The prince subsequently visited Manchester Cathedral, where he was introduced to first responders and members of the local community who treated people caught up in the blast.
Prince William also signed the Book of Condolence at Manchester Cathedral and paid tribute to the city’s "strength and togetherness" in the wake of the attack.
Of the royal’s surprise visit, a Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: "He was meeting members of the local community including taxi drivers, restaurateurs, St John Ambulance and British Red Cross, some representatives from the charity Heads Up, a representative from Winston’s Wish, a bereavement charity with a base in Manchester, among others."
Meanwhile, prior to the visit, a spokesperson for the Palace revealed Prince William was eager to personally "acknowledge and thank the people of Manchester" for the way in which they’ve dealt with the attack.
The spokesperson said: "Today The Duke of Cambridge is in Manchester, visiting some of those who were affected by last week’s attack.
"HRH will be meeting first responders and members of the community who worked through the night to provide care to those in need.
"The Duke wanted to acknowledge and thank the people of Manchester for their strength, decency and kindness."
Prince William’s surprise visit has also been detailed on the Kensington Palace Twitter feed, which has featured regular photographs of his time in Manchester.
Prince William pays surprise visit to Manchester
