Sep 11, 2006, 13:12 GMT
Britain's Prince Andrew will make a speech in New York today (11.09.06) paying tribute to the families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The Duke of York had been flying into America on the day Al Qaeda terrorists attacked the World Trade Center five years ago, but his plane was turned back.
Sixty seven Britons were among the 2,749 people killed when two planes were crashed into the Twin Towers
In his speech, Prince Andrew will say: "It is incredible to see the strength of character these families have shown in the face of such adversity."
The prince also recalls his fears for his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson - the mother of his two daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice - who was in New York at the time and had an office in the World Trade Center.
His speech continues: "It was difficult to remain calm when I had to sit in the plane unable to communicate with New York, knowing my ex-wife Sarah had an office in the World Trade Center and was in New York. I had some insight into the anguish many families were suffering that day."
Andrew will give his speech at a service being held at the British Memorial Garden in Manhattan, half a mile from where the towers once stood. His ex-wife will join him.
(C) BANG Media International
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