On September 23rd, 2025, Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton visited Southport to support families and schools still healing from the knife attack that affected a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July 2024. The tragedy claimed the lives of three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. In January 2025, 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years for his involvement in the attack.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales and Prince William visited Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School in Southport, England. ❤️🩹 📸: Getty, Shutterstock pic.twitter.com/CzEcfyrjxq
— Page Six (@PageSix) September 23, 2025
The Prince and Princess of Wales began their day at Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School, where Elsie had been a student. They spoke with teachers about the impact of the tragedy and the support provided to pupils, staff, and the community. Reportedly, Kate Middleton told the students, “Well, I am very impressed with all of you — all the hard work you’ve done. What a fantastic thing to learn how to raise money to help other people. Fantastic, so keep up your hard work, and thank you.” The couple also met privately with Elsie’s parents and younger sister.
Emily Ferguson writing for the Express reported how on the brief speech, Prince William gave to the grieving Families following their emotional return to Southport today, where they visited the former schools of victims Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot… pic.twitter.com/5x0lBaxIRt
— Canellecitadelle (@Canellelabelle) September 23, 2025
Later, the royals visited Churchtown Primary School to meet with the parents of Bebe King and Alice Dasilva Aguiar away from the cameras. They also spoke with children who had been affected by the attack. This visit followed their October 2024 trip to Southport, when they met grieving families and first responders. Their return showed a commitment to being present for the community, offering compassion and support, even after the tragic knife attack stopped making headlines.
