The response to the terrorism of 11 September 2001

Abstract

On the afternoon of 11 September 2001 Alan was working in an office in Kensington Palace when Pam Heard, his personal secretary, called with the grim news of the first attack. A television was brought to the office and with a small number of colleagues he watched the unfolding events in total amazement and horror. Within minutes it was clear that these dreadful attacks would have an almost immediate adverse impact on Historic Royal Palaces.

Every calamity is a spur and valuable hint.

Emerson, 1860

The worse the passage the more welcome the port.

Fuller, 1732

Greater dooms win greater destinies.

Heraclitus, c. 500 BC

To be brave in misfortune is to be worthy of manhood; To be wise in misfortune is to conquer fate.

Agnes Repplier, 1924

Fire is the test of gold; adversity of strong men.

Seneca, 1st century AD