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In the early hours of June 14, 2017, the residents of 24-storey Grenfell Tower were forced to abandon all their worldly possessions and run for safety.

Tragically, 71 people did not make it out of the tower and lost their lives in the UK's deadliest tower block fire to date.

The scale of the fire and the political repercussions have struck a chord with Londoners, many of whom are gathering today at St Paul's Cathedral to remember the disadvantaged residents who lost their lives.

Get the latest stories , pictures and videos from the service, due to start at 11am on Thursday (December 14).

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What we saw today

A recap of what we saw today at the National Grenfell Memorial Service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

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Jeremy Corbyn speaking with the survivors

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott chatted to survivors after the service.

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Jeremy Corbyn speaks with survivors

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot speak with members of the Grenfell community.

Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot speak with the members of the community
Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot speak with the members of the community (Image: Goolistan Cooper)
Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot speak with the members of the community
Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot speak with the members of the community (Image: Goolistan Cooper)
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"It was entirely right"

Labour Kensington and Chelsea leader Robert Atkinson told getwestlondon:

It was very dignified and very moving.

It was entirely right.

I hope it gave everyone else the same comfort it gave me.

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Who is in attendance?

Hundreds of people attended today’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral to remember the 71 dead and all the people whose lives were destroyed by the fire.

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Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott attended the service

Jeremy Corbyn, Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott and Shadow Housing Secretary John Healey are representing Labour at the event.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is also present.

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Grenfell Banner carried through the aisle

Behind the Royals, the Grenfell banner was carried through the church.

The Grenfell banner was carried through the aisle of St Paul's
The Grenfell banner was carried through the aisle of St Paul's (Image: PA)
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The Royals are in attendance at the memorial service

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral (Image: PA)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall are in attendance.

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One local tells us why he's attending

A man who lived near Grenfell Tower but wished to remain anonymous, said:

I used to opposite the building for over 25yrs until Feb this year. I knew people in the building. I’m here to pay my respect.

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Labour Kensington and Chelsea leader

Councillor Robert Atkinson reminds us of the gravity of the day.

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The service is beginning

An organ is playing while the Prince Charles, Camilla, Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge proceed along the aisle at St Paul’s Cathedral

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What has happened over the past six months

Since June 14, Metropolitan Police has launched its biggest ever non-terror investigation into the fire.

Charges being considered are manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and misconduct in public office.

Firefighters have been recovering bodies in a painstakingly detailed sweep of the Tower and have confirmed a death toll of 71, less than originally feared.

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Kensington and Chelsea Council won't be attending

The leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council Elizabeth Campbell was forced to admit that survivors had asked that no council representatives attend the service.

Anger at alleged malpractice and negligence by the council is still very high among the community affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire.

The leader told BBC Radio 4’s Today program that the survivor’s request was “perfectly understandable”.

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The Bishop of Kensington arrives

Despite the international news interest in the Grenfell Tower Fire, to the people of Kensington, this is a deeply local issue.

The Bishop of Kensington arrives at the service.

Bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin
Bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin (Image: Goolistan Cooper)
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Guests have started entering the Cathedral

getwestlondon’s Goolistan Cooper and Federica Battiato are at St Paul’s today and will be keeping us updated.

Guests are entering the cathedral for the 11am service.

Guests start filing into St Paul's Cathedral for the Grenfell Tower Memorial Service
Guests start filing into St Paul's Cathedral for the Grenfell Tower Memorial Service (Image: Goolistan)
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What is happening today?

At 11am at St Paul’s Cathedral there will be a special memorial service marking six months since the Grenfell Tower Fire, which claimed 71 lives.

Families and survivors of the fire as well as local figures will be present.

Kensington residents Princes Harry and William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton are also expected to attend.

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