Prince William and Kate Middleton have returned to Southport with a powerful message of love and solidarity, honoring the memories of three young girls killed in last summer’s tragedy.
Prince William Honors Southport Victims in Emotional Speech
PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesOn Tuesday, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School, where 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe had been a pupil. The royal couple joined staff, parents, and 430 children waving Union flags as they toured the grounds and viewed a new commemorative playground dedicated to Elsie, Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Bebe King, 6, per Express UK.
Speaking to the crowd, William delivered a heartfelt tribute:
“Catherine and I were sadly not able to join you last week when this wonderful new playground had its grand opening. We are so happy to be with you today to celebrate this project and to say how proud we are of the community of Southport. The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.”
The prince praised the “vision and determination” of Alice’s parents, Alex and Sergio, who spearheaded the playground project. He called it “a symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales Continue to Support the Families and Schools
The royal couple also met with the grieving parents: Alex and Sergio da Silva Aguiar, Lauren and Ben King, and Jenni and David Stancombe. William acknowledged their strength directly:
“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.”
He also extended gratitude to the teaching communities at Churchtown Primary and Farnborough Road, thanking them for going “above and beyond to help heal this incredible group of young people.”
Kate and William had previously visited Southport last October to stand alongside the community in the aftermath of the attack. That trip was especially meaningful, as it marked the Princess’s first public engagement since completing chemotherapy. They spent time with the bereaved families of the three children and the dance teacher who was present during the tragedy.
Following that visit, the couple released a statement that read:
“We continue to stand with everyone in Southport. Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. W & C.”
Kate and William ended their most recent visit by spending time with students in the new playground, encouraging them to “be brave, be joyful and be kind.”
