Prince William and Kate Middleton's touching bracelets explained during Southport visit
The couple have both sported beaded bracelets
The meaning behind Prince William and Kate Middleton’s beaded bracelets, which were seen this week, is very heartfelt.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have moved royal observers this week as they stepped out to support those affected by the devastating 2024 Southport stabbings. It was here that eagle-eyed observers spotted their poignant accessories.
Prince William and Princess Kate visit Southport
William and Kate, both 43, made the trip to Southport this week.
It was here that they met with the classmates of the three young girls tragically murdered in an abhorrent knife attack last year, whilst they attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class.
Despite the reason behind their visit being poignant, it seems the two royals brought light to a sombre engagement.
William and Kate were seen smiling and laughing with children at two primary schools where the young victims, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, attended.
The royal couple, who have three young children themselves, also met with students, teacher and administrators.
In addition, they visited a playground in one of the schools which opened last week, in memory of the three children who lost their lives.
The new playground “includes a stage, libraries, play areas and quiet spaces designed to bring comfort, hope, and healing,” Kate and William’s official social media page shared online.
William and Kate also met privately with the parents of seven-year-old Elsie.
Meaning behind William and Kate’s bracelets
The two royals had previously visited the area in October 2024.
It was then that they met with bereaved family members and the first responders who dealt with the tragedy, which occurred in July 2024.
On Tuesday, Princess Kate wore a bracelet with “Bebe’s Hive” on it, in honour of six-year-old Bebe. Bebe’s Hive is a grief support charity for children, founded in the young girl’s name.
The bracelet was given to her by Bebe’s mother. Prince William also wore a bracelet with the charity’s name.
This style of bracelet is popular among singer Taylor Swift’s fans.
The third victim who lost her life was nine-year-old Alice. Several others were also injured in the horrific attack.
Royal fans gushed over William and Kate wearing the bracelets as one said: “Prince William wearing the friendship bracelet given by Bebe King’s mother in Southport,” followed by a heart face emoji.
Another wrote on X: “Such a thoughtful touch.”
William’s gift from Princess Charlotte
Prince William has previously sported similar Taylor Swift style bracelets.
He has worn one with the words “Papa,” which was gifted to him by his daughter Princess Charlotte. Charlotte is known to be an avid “Swiftie”. Last year, William, Charlotte, and Prince George marked his 42nd birthday by attending a Taylor concert.
During a recent trip to Estonia, William was gifted another beaded friendship bracelet.
He said of this one, that Charlotte will “probably poach” it from him.
Southport speech
The Prince of Wales made a moving speech to the children and staff on Tuesday.
He described the playground as a “symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy”.
The future king stated: “Catherine and I were sadly unable to join you last week when this wonderful new playground had its grand opening.
“But we are so happy to be with you today to celebrate this project and to say how proud we are of all of you and the community of Southport.”
He continued: “The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.”
William went on to praise the community.
He stated: “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.
“To the teaching community, each and every one of you has gone above and beyond to help heal this incredible group of young people. Thank you.”
Read more: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘flirty’ moment during Southport visit
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