Prince and Princess of Wales return to Southport to honour young victims
Kensington Palace has released a moving update after the Prince and Princess
of Wales made an unannounced visit to Southport on Tuesday.
William and Catherine returned more than a year after the tragic knife attacks
of July 2024, which claimed the lives of six-year-old Bebe King,
seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
The couple had previously visited the community just weeks after the tragedy,
in what marked Catherine’s first public appearance following her cancer
treatment.
The Palace shared a video capturing moments from their latest visit, where the
royal couple spent time with children, families, and teachers. They were shown
a new playground created in memory of the three girls, a lasting tribute for
the community.
In a heartfelt statement released alongside the video, the couple said:
“To everyone in the Southport community affected by the incident last year,
you will never be forgotten – and the legacy of love and kindness built here
will continue to bring people together for years to come and honour the
memories of Bebe, Alice and Elsie.”
Prince William also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the lasting grief
caused by the tragedy. “Many lives were changed on that terrible day –
including countless members of this school community. Bebe, Alice and Elsie’s
friends and classmates have come together to support each other and remember
the girls in their own way,” he said.
The visit highlighted the couple’s ongoing support for Southport, showing once
again their commitment to standing with communities through difficult times.
