Day of remembrance for US victims

The Yorks signed the book of condolence

The Duke and Duchess of York have visited the American embassy to pay their respects to the victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The Duchess, who had been due to visit the twin towers on the day of the attack, arrived with the Duke and their daughters, Beatrice, 13, and Eugenie, 11, at Grosvenor Square in central London.

They were accompanied by the American Ambassador William Farish and his wife Sarah.

Thousands of people have been attending church services across the country to remember those who died in America.

Great comfort

The Queen Mother joined the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for the traditional Sunday church service at Balmoral.

Athletes at the Great North Run stand in silence

During the hour-long service, the local minister, the Reverend Bob Sloan, called for prayers for the world's leaders.

Another poignant service took place at the Whitefield Memorial Church, the American Church, in Tottenham Court Road in London.

More than 400 people attended the weekly service and another 150 listened outside.

The pastor, the Reverend Steve Rettemeyer said expressions of sympathy from people of all faiths had been a great comfort to Americans in London.

Bishop's warning

At the Great North Run in Newcastle-upon-Tyne thousands of competitors stood to observe a minute's silence before the event got underway.

At Durham Cathedral a two-minute silence was held and special prayers said during the Evensong service.

The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, said: "After dreadful acts terrorism we must ensure freedom, democracy and justice remain the foundations of society."

The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David Smith, warned that using language like "destroying evil" was not the right way to go forward.

Floral tributes

At the American Embassy the Yorks signed the book of condolence and then laid bouquets at the Roosevelt Memorial, pausing to talk with the ambassador while other mourners looked on.

Asked if she had a message, the Duchess, close to tears, said: "I don't have enough words."

The duchess, who returned to London last night, was said by her spokesman to be "devastated" by the tragedy.

Thousands of people have visited the US embassy since Tuesday, leaving a growing mound of floral tributes around the Roosevelt Memorial.