By DANICA KIRKA

LONDON (AP) – Queen Elizabeth II celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by offering condolences to the victims, survivors and families affected by the atrocity.

In a message to US President Joe Biden, the British monarch recalled the “terrible attacks” on New York and Washington, DC

“My thoughts and prayers – and those of my family and the entire nation – remain with the victims, survivors and affected families, as well as with the first responders and rescue workers called to work,” she said. declared.

“My visit to the World Trade Center site in 2010 remains etched in my memory. It reminds me that as we honor those of many nations, faiths and origins who have lost their lives, we also honor the resilience and determination of the communities who have come together to rebuild. ”

The ties between the two nations were marked by a special Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle in which “The Star Spangled Banner” was performed. Hundreds of people gathered inside and outside the castle walls to watch.

The American national anthem was also played at Buckingham Palace 20 years ago, on September 12, 2001, in solidarity with the United States.

US Ambassador Philip Reeker thanked the Queen for this gesture.

“On behalf of the United States, we have neither allied nor closer friends, in good times or in bad times, and this reminds us a lot today (…) through the lasting relationship between our two country, ”he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also recalled the attacks, issuing a statement ahead of the anniversary saying the terrorists had failed “to undermine our belief in freedom and democracy”.

“They have failed to separate our nations, to make us abandon our values ​​or to live in permanent fear.”

Sixty-seven British nationals were among nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked planes crashed into New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Pennsylvania.