The Prince and Princess of Wales have, on several occasions, expressed just how deeply the attack on Southport has impacted them. In the immediate aftermath, they released a moving statement on social media, sharing their thoughts and prayers with those who were affected. On social media, they wrote: “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack. Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.”
Late last year, Kate Middleton and Prince William travelled to Southport to meet with the families of the three children killed—in Kate’s first public engagement following the completion of her chemotherapy treatment. The couple also spoke with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was injured as she shielded the youngsters, who were attacked by a knifeman during the Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class. Apart from a small group of journalists, the visit to Southport was kept low key, with MailOnline reporting both the Prince and Princess wanted to be “as discreet as possible out of respect to those involved.”
Originally published in Tatler.