Prince William receives adorable response from children during moving Southport speech
He addressed the "horror" of the 2024 Southport stabbings in his speechPrince William gave a moving speech during a visit to Southport on Tuesday with his wife Kate, Princess of Wales.
The Prince and Princess of Wales made the visit to show support for the families affected by last summer’s fatal knife attack. In July 2024, three young girls – Bebe King, Alice da Silva Aguiar, and Elsie Dot Stancombe – were attacked and killed in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the town.
On Tuesday, William and Kate visited the three young girls’ primary schools to meet with children and members of staff. They also looked at a playground built in memory of Bebe, Alice, and Elsie.
Prince William gives speech during Southport visit
The Prince of Wales, 43, made a speech to the children and staff as he said the playground is a “symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy”.
William started the speech by greeting the children. He said: “Good afternoon everyone.”
But as he went to continue, the children replied in unison: “Good afternoon the Prince of Wales.”
William laughed as he gushed: “I’ve found the word I need to use to trigger it off.”
Royal fans shared their thoughts on William’s reaction on X. One person said alongside a clip: “Prince William gets the most adorable response from these school children during his speech.”
Another wrote: “The children’s greeting to Prince William is absolutely precious. I think they caught him off guard but he was genuinely moved by it. His speech was eloquent and supportive.”
Someone else added: “How adorable was it when the children responded to Prince William saying ‘afternoon’. The smile on William and Catherine’s face was so sweet. His speech bought me to tears.”
‘Still difficult to comprehend’
He then continued: “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.”
The future king went on: “The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.”
He then praised the playground, before continuing: “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.”
William makes vow to grieving parents
Prince William then addressed Bebe, Alice, and Elsie’s parents.
He said: “To Alex and Sergio, Lauren and Ben, Jenni and David – you are parents united in grief.
“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.”
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He concluded: “To everyone impacted on that day, you will never be forgotten. Enjoy this playground, be brave, be joyful, and be kind. Thank you…. and good afternoon.”
The prince was met with a loud applause.
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