Manchester attack: Queen holds a minute's silence in memory of victims as Royals speak of their shock

The Queen and her family held a minute's silence at Buckingham Palace today for victims of the Manchester bomb attack.

They joined 8,000 guests at a palace garden party in standing silent in honour of the 22 dead and 59 injured at the Manchester Arena last night.

In a Stewart Parvin sunshine yellow double wool coat and Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat, the 91-year-old monarch, with Prince Philip, Charles, Camilla and Princess Eugenie, stood in quiet contemplation and respect outside the palace Bow Room as the party guests looked on from the 40-acre garden.

Prince Andrew, who was travelling back from China, was due to join the garden party guests later.

The Prince of Wales today spoke of his "intense sadness" at the "appalling" bomb atrocity at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, while the Queen and Prince Philip held a minute's silence at Buckingham Palace.

The Prince said he sent his "heartfelt sympathy" to the all of the victim’s families and the injured.

The heir to the throne said: "My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night.

"That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness.

"Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling at this incredibly difficult time and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way.”

The Queen and Prince Philip decided to hold a minute's silence before a scheduled garden party at Buckingham Palace at 4pm on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, the Queen spoke of her “shock” following the horror, for which ISIS have claimed responsibility.

Her Majesty said: "The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert.

"I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.

"I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care. And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity."

Prince William said he was "shocked and today saddened" by the Manchester tragedy

In a statement on behalf of himself, wife Kate and Prince Harry, he said: "Like everyone, Catherine, Harry and I are left shocked and saddened by the tragedy that unfolded in Manchester overnight.

"Hundreds of friends, parents, children, and partners are confronting unimaginable grief today, and we send our thoughts to them all.

"We also send our thanks to the people of Manchester for their display of strength, decency, and community that is an example to the world."

So far three victims have been named, eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Calder and 26-year-old John Atkinson, from Bury.

Police were called to reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena at 10.33pm on Monday, shortly after the end of the performance.

Victims described being thrown by the blast, which scattered nuts and bolts across the floor.

More than 240 calls were made to the emergency services, with responders including 60 ambulances flooding the area of the attack.

Some 400 police officers were deployed as part of the operation, with a visible presence including armed police remaining on the streets of Manchester on Tuesday.

Ambulances took 59 patients to eight Manchester hospitals, including 12 to the city's Children's Hospital, and around 60 "walking wounded" were also treated by crews at the scene.

Many people are still missing with loved ones frantically launching appeals to find family members, many of whom are teenage music fans.