Princess Kate thanks Southport rescuers after tragic stabbing

The Princess of Wales voiced her concern for the rescuers who saved children during the distressing Southport stabbing attacks in a heartfelt nine-word message. Princess Kate and Prince William visited the families of victims and emergency workers impacted by the knife attack outside a dance studio in Southport, Merseyside, in July this year.

The incident resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to eight others. Two adults were also hurt in the attack. The royal couple engaged with those affected, inquiring about the psychological support provided to the emergency responders. Kate described the aftermath of the attacks as their “darkest times” and acknowledged the toll it had taken on them.

She remarked: “For you to witness that, you need support yourselves.” In addition to expressing concern, the couple thanked the courageous rescue teams who risked their lives to save the children. Phil Garrigan, Chief Fire Officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, shared how Princess Kate returned during the emotional meeting to personally thank the responders.

We welcomed The Prince and Princess of Wales to Southport yesterday, following the tragic incident in July.

Prince William and Princess Kate @KensingtonRoyal
met with #MFRS staff, alongside our colleagues from@MerseyPolice, @NWAmbulance and @NWAirAmbulance. pic.twitter.com/8VGknftzlY

— Mersey Fire (@MerseyFire) October 11, 2024

He noted: “The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the responders because she could see the emotion in them and found it difficult for them to express their feelings and the impact the events had. It shows a really caring side and is very touching for them.”

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, succumbed to their injuries when a knifeman attacked a Taylor Swift-themed dance party on July 30. Dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, was also critically injured while defending her class.

The unannounced visit to Merseyside marked William and Kate’s first joint official engagement since the princess completed chemotherapy treatment over the summer following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The event was initially planned as a solo visit for William, but Kate chose to join him to show her support and empathy for the community. The Waleses met the families of the three deceased girls and Leanne in a private reception before heading to Southport Community Centre.

This pose is the most appropriate way to show the “support and empathy” at the end of a typical Kate phrase (min 0:11👇).😅🙃
pic.twitter.com/ycBFnYTUYr” / X

— WhitestPrincess (@WhitestPrincess) October 11, 2024

At the centre, they met emergency responders involved in the attack and listened to their experiences. They also met health practitioners supporting the emergency services community in Southport. The couple comforted emotional fire crews, police officers, and paramedics who recounted the traumatic events.

Kate wore a long brown coat and heels, with her hair down and curled, and appeared serious as she spoke to Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver. The couple spent half an hour with each family group and arrived 45 minutes late, with William apologising to the waiting guests.

William, 42, said: “Thank you, you are all true professionals, look after yourselves.” He added a personal touch by saying: “Get inside and get yourself a cup of tea to get warm” after a 30-minute meeting in the community centre’s garden.