LONDON – Showing support to the British Muslim community, Prince Charles visited the scene of the Finsbury Park terror attack on Wednesday, meeting worshippers and the imam who protected the attacker until police arrived.

Speaking to faith leaders sitting in a circle, he said he felt joy at being with them “despite the very sad, unfortunate circumstances” and that he remembered with “great fondness” his visit there 30 years ago, Evening Standard reported on Wednesday, June 21.

Prince Charles added: “But I did particularly want to bring a message from the Queen on this particular occasion.

“She has specifically asked me to tell you how shocked she was by what happened, particularly as the victims were worshippers who had been attending Ramadan prayers – and her Majesty’s thoughts and prayers are with you all.

“And if I may say so, I can only but join my particular thoughts and prayers to her Majesty’s on this occasion, and to say that for many years I have taken a great interest in the Muslim community in this country.”

Last Monday, a man plowed his van into Muslim worshippers leaving Finsbury Park mosque, killing one and injuring 10 others.

The attack sparked a wave of support from British people to the Muslim community, and praise to imam Mohammed Mahmoud who protected the suspect until police arrived.

The Prince of Wales chatted with imam as he was shown floral tributes that have been left at the scene.

Charles added that he was “deeply impressed” by the imam who shielded the suspect until police arrived and “his remarkable actions on that occasion”.

“Thank goodness we have wonderful leaders,” he added.

The Prince also paused to read some of the hundreds of messages left by the public outside Finsbury Park Tube station.