Prince William and Kate Middleton visited Southport today to support the families of the tragic stabbing victims in a knife attack.
William And Kate First Visited Southport In October 2024
The royal couple made an unannounced visit to spend time with the schoolchildren, teachers, and parents.
Three young girls, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dalsilva, were killed during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in July 2024.
Eight others, including children and the dance teacher, Leanne Lucas, and a businessman, Johnathan Hayes, were severely wounded. Lucas and Hayes were stabbed while trying to protect the children.
In January 2025, the perpetrator, eighteen- year- old Axel Rudakubana, was sentenced to life in prison after he admitted his role in the horrific stabbings.
William and Kate were last seen in Southport in October 2024 when they met with first responders who had been working the day of the attacks and the families of the victims.
In a moving speech to the students of Churchtown Primary School, the Prince of Wales advised the children of Elsie, Bebe, and Alice to “honor their memories and be brave, joyful, and kind.”
A new playground was also built at the school as an inspiration and in memory of the young victims. Addressing the students, William told the kids,
“This playground is a symbol of how the community has come together to create such a positive space for the pupils of this school.”
He described the playground’s significance,
“A symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy.”
The Royal Couple Were Welcomed At The School With Open Arms
William continued as he spoke directly to the parents of the victims,
“To Alex, and Sergio, Lauren and Ben, Jenni and David, you are parents united in grief.”
He said,
“You have faced such horror, but from that, you move forward with grace and fortitude, creating the most remarkable legacies for your girls. We will always be here to support you.”
He concluded,
“To everyone impacted on that day, you will never be forgotten.”
When the Princess of Wales arrived at the school this afternoon, Kate was dressed in a stylish pink blouse and a pair of chic grey trousers, looking lovely as ever.
The royals also spoke to the headteachers and members of the student council. They asked the headteachers about how the school and students were coping after the fatal stabbing.
Upon their arrival in Southport, Kate and William were welcomed by several hundred children waving Union flags.
The teachers had allowed William and Kate’s coming to talk to the students to be a big surprise. They met with and hugged the parents of the three girls who were murdered.
When Kate and William visited the school in Southport last year, it was Kate’s first official outing since her chemotherapy ended.
Kate And William Spoke To The Student About A Healing Art Project
The royal pair also visited with Alice’s classmates. The kids shared with William and Kate about the art project they have been working on. The kids told Kate and William how the project has helped them process their grief and move forward with hope.
The school also donated the remaining money from the fundraising efforts for the playground to local charities that have been helping them recover from the trauma of the incident.
When news of the fatal knife attacks reached the Prince and Princess, they said,
“As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed and injured today are going through.”
After their first visit, Kate and William also shared this statement on social media:
“We continue to stand with everyone in Southport.”
They concluded,
“Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
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