Support for the Community Following the Tragic Blaze

Prince William has been described as “very passionate” about the quest for justice by survivors and bereaved families of the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives in June 2017. During a recent visit to Queens Park Rangers (QPR), located less than a mile from the site of the tragedy in Shepherd’s Bush, the Prince of Wales met with individuals affected by the disaster.

Survivor Paul Menacer, 29, shared insights from the meeting, stating that William is committed to supporting the community in their pursuit of justice and closure. Menacer, who played in the Game 4 Grenfell match shortly after the fire, has since organized the Grenfell Memorial Cup, an annual football event intended to honor the victims. During the visit, he presented William with a QPR shirt featuring a green heart symbolizing Grenfell.

Menacer expressed gratitude for William’s involvement, emphasizing the importance of having someone in such a prominent position advocating for their rights. Another attendee, Karim Mussilhy, who lost his uncle in the fire, noted that William appears to understand the ongoing pain and frustration of the community, particularly in light of delays in the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report.

Grenfell United, a campaign group representing survivors and bereaved families, recently voiced their disappointment regarding the extended timeline for the inquiry, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice six years after the tragedy.

In a lighter moment during the visit, William joked about his football skills after being invited to participate in the next memorial cup, stating, “You don’t want to see me play – it’s not a pretty sight.” He acknowledged his continued love for the game, despite playing against much younger opponents.

The prince learned about the QPR in the Community Trust, which has transformed the football club into a vital resource for the local community, offering services ranging from mental health support to recreational activities. QPR’s director of football, Les Ferdinand, recounted how the club mobilized quickly to assist following the fire, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to helping those affected.

Andy Evans, CEO of the trust, pointed out the lasting impact of the Grenfell tragedy, comparing it to the Hillsborough disaster in terms of the search for justice. As efforts continue to support the Grenfell community, there remains a collective hope for meaningful change and accountability.