Princess of Wales visits bereaved families of Southport stabbings

by Mick the Ram

On her first public visit since ending her cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales made an unexpected appearance alongside the Prince of Wales in Southport, where they met with the families of the three children tragically killed in a knife attack during the summer.

With her chemotherapy having ended, the princess has begun a gradual return to work and royal sources said Catherine was determined to join Prince William to show her “support, empathy and compassion to the local community” after the horrific July incident in the seaside town.

The royal couple spent 90 minutes speaking with the families of the children, before going on to talk to emergency responders who were quickly at the devastating scene.

Ten others – eight being children – were injured in the stabbings for which a teenager was later arrested.

Terrifying situation leads to tragic loss of life

In an incident that shocked the nation, a man burst into a dance workshop themed around Taylor Swift, which was being enjoyed by a group of children aged between six and eleven who had just broken up for their summer holidays.

Seventeen-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana indiscriminately stabbed eight of the children, killing Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at the scene; with 9-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar dying in hospital the following day.

Two adults also received multiple stab wounds as they desperately tried to protect the youngsters, one being the dance teacher. Thankfully, all those injured have recovered from their wound – physically at least.

The accused will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 25 October for a pre-trial preparation hearing.

Show of support towards community

It had been planned to be a low-key event to protect the families and allow them privacy, but Catherine’s appearance did create a larger media presence.

The purpose of the visit was not only to speak with the bereaved, but also intended to show the community that it had “not been forgotten”.

Princess gives thanks

After spending around 30 minutes with each of the families of the three little girls who died in the frenzied attack, the couple then met with emergency workers and frontline staff and thanked them for everything they did during what Catherine called the families “darkest times”.

She told them: “I can’t underestimate how grateful the families all are for the support you provided on the day.”

William’s message to responders

The royals stressed to everyone the importance of protecting their own well-being and mental health.

“The first thing we thought about was actually how on earth you guys are going to handle having seen what you’ve seen. So please take your time, don’t rush back to work, do whatever you need to,” was Prince William’s message to the brave responders.

Emotional for everyone

Catherine finished by giving many of them a big hug in what were emotional scenes. Later in a message on social media, the Prince and Princess of Wales said their Southport visit had been a “powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.”

Former chief constable Andy Rhodes described the visit as a “massive boost” for emergency workers, adding: ”It was quite emotional; it is still raw for people.”

Following in the King’s footsteps

Catherine and William are not the first royals to visit Southport to show their support, as King Charles III also made sure he too met those affected by the shocking event when he was there in August.

On road to recovery

The Princess of Wales announced on 9 September that she had finished her chemotherapy treatmentand was making progress towards a full recovery.

She had informed the nation in a highly emotional video message back in the spring of her shock diagnosis, although she has never revealed what type of cancer it was.