Kate Middleton shares 'wonderful' moment with school children on emotional Southport visit with Prince William
The couple paid tribute to the victims of last year's attacksKate Middleton has been praised for a “wonderful” moment she shared with some school children, during an emotional visit to Southport with her husband, Prince William.
Prince William and Kate visited Southport on Tuesday (September 23), to show support for families affected by last summer’s fatal knife attack.
In July 2024, three young girls were attacked and killed in a mass stabbing at a dance studio in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, 17, killed three children and injured 10 others at the Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. In January, Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison.
Prince William and Kate visit Southport
The couple made a previous visit to Southport last autumn, in what was the princess’ first public engagement after completing her chemotherapy. They met bereaved families as well as the emergency workers who had responded to the horrific attack.
Today, the Prince and Princess of Wales met with pupils and teachers at the two primary schools attended by Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine. The three girls were tragically murdered at the dance class last year.
“The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend,” Prince William reportedly said.
The prince was full of praise for a new commemorative playground, created to remember the victims.
He said it was a “symbol of how the community have come together to create such a positive space”. He added that it was also a “symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy”.
The royal couple also saw an art project, created to help children deal with their grief for their lost friends.
Kate shares ‘wonderful’ moment with children
In moving photos shared on social media, Princess Catherine was also pictured interacting with young pupils at one of the schools.
The Princess of Wales really is wonderful with children
The pictures showed Kate smiling and holding one child’s hand.
Many social media users were touched by the photos, and felt compelled to leave comments.
“The Princess of Wales really is wonderful with children,” one person said. “She just goes into a playful mode, which the children clearly adore. You could never fake this type of interaction, children would simply not allow you to!”
“She really is quite natural with children,” someone else agreed.
A third likewise said: “She has the sweetest grin when interacting with children.”
“You can never fake kindness and love like this,” another person movingly commented, while two others coined her the “Children’s Princess”.
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