The Prince and Princess of Wales return to Southport to show support to community

The Prince and Princess of Wales have returned to Southport to show their support to the community as it rebuilds following the murder of three young girls in the town last summer.

William and Kate saw a brand new playground which has been designed and developed to remember the children who were killed when a man attacked them and others at a Taylor Swift dance class in the town.

Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, were killed as was 9 year old Alice da Silva Aguiar in July 2024. Several other children and adults were badly injured in the attack for which a man is now serving a life sentence.

In the aftermath of the attack, the community came together to develop a playground in their memory. Now, it’s officially open and the Prince and Princess of Wales visited to mark that moment and show their ongoing support for those in Southport.

The Prince of Wales spoke to many of the children and in his speech, said ”This playground is a symbol of how the community have come together to create such a positive place  for the pupils of this school – a symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy. ”

Prince William added ”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.”

And the Prince said to the parents who lost their daughters on that day that ”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.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales met many people in the local community to chat about how they are coping following the attack.

William and Kate first visited Southport in October 2024 when they met the families of Elsie, Bebe and Alice as well as first responders who had been called to the dance class as the attack took place.

After their latest visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales posted a message on social media, saying ”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.”