The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance alongside her husband yesterday, when meeting first responders and bereaved families of the girls who were killed in July’s knife attack in Southport.
The visit marked her first public engagement since announcing that she had completed her cancer treatment, as well as the couple’s first public outing since Trooping the Colour in June.
Catherine had scaled back her engagements this year since she was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the year, only making a couple of public appearances since then.
The Prince and Princess of Wales met with first responders. (North West Air Ambulance Charity)
Beginning the engagement, William and Catherine spent around 30 minutes with each of the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar who were stabbed to death at a Taylor-Swift themed dance class at the Hart Space Community Centre in July.
Their Royal Highnesses also met with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was stabbed as she fought to protect her students.
William and Kate visited Southport following the attacks and riots. (Kensington Palace)
The couple then proceeded to walk to Southport community centre, where they sat in the garden and met a number of first responders and mental health practitioners who have been working with those affected by the attack.
The Princess highlighted that the professionals had been supporting victims through their ‘darkest times’ but commented that for them them to witness such horrific acts must have taken ‘its toll’. The Prince added that all the first responders were ‘heroes’ and ‘true professionals’.
When asked how the bereaved families were since the tragic event, Kate said: ‘They’re OK. They’re managing it differently. All the families are so different. Individually too they are managing it and processing this tragic event in very different ways but they’re getting support from families and officers and things like that.
‘I think being able to have opportunities to be able to speak to different people in the community about the experience and drawing that together and sharing their experience I think is massively helpful.’
Following the visit, Prince William and Catherine took to their social media channels by posting a message: ‘We continue to stand with everyone in Southport. 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. W & C.’
The couple’s Royal Foundation later made a donation to the National Police and Wellbeing Service to help fast track psychological and physical support for emergency responders.
It emerged after the visit that the Princess broke away from the group and her husband briefly, to return inside and hug the first responders before leaving. Phil Garrigan, Chief Fire Officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said in a tv interview: ‘That just says it all really’.
King Charles III looks at floral tributes during a visit to Southport, following the killing of three children and the riot in the town
The visit came after The King visited Southport in August following the attacks and riots, where he viewed the vast floral tributes to the girls who were murdered.
King Charles also took the opportunity to speak with members of the local community who had gathered, and echoes of cheers were heard from the crowds. One person shouted ‘thank you for coming’. His Majesty also signed a book of condolence and met privately with some of the families affected.
His Majesty also heard from staff representing Merseyside’s Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services about their roles in recent events and protecting people in the area. Charles also met local groups impacted by the violent disorder in Southport, including faith leaders.
