The Prince and Princess of Wales continued to show their support for the community of Southport, which was rocked by the deaths of three young girls in a knife attack in July last year. Prince William and Catherine, both 43, had a private meeting with the mother and father of Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who was a pupil at Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School in the town. Elsie died along with Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class during the knife attack by Axel Rudakubana.

The royal couple spent more than an hour at the school and around 30 minutes meeting Elsie’s parents Jenni Stancombe, 36, and David Stancombe, 37, during a private meeting at the school. It marked the second time William and Catherine have been to Southport in the wake of the attack and subsequent widespread rioting.

The pair then visited Churchtown Primary School, which Alice and Bebe attended, where they were shown around a new playground which was built in their memory after a fundraising campaign. In a speech in front of the school’s 700 pupils, William said: “This playground is a symbol of how the community have come together to create such a positive space for the pupils of this school – a symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy.”

In their own statement following last July’s attack, the royal couple said: “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.”

Warm Welcome

Upon arrival, the Prince and Princess were greeted by hundreds of excited children waving Union Jack flags, with mum-of-three Catherine crouching down to speak to the youngsters.

Touching Moment

During one sweet moment, Catherine, who donned a pink pussy-bow blouse with a grey jacket and trousers, reached out to hold the hand of one little girl during her conversation.

Royal Surprise

Cameron Smith, 11 and Ellis Paynter, ten, were among the children who greeted the royal visitors.

Ellis said: “We were shocked! I was like, ‘We get to talk to the Prince?’”

Jessica Hazelhurst, ten, said: “All of the teachers didn’t get to find out until break time. We all came into school thinking we were getting photos for school council but then it was this.”

Zainah Thompson, ten, said: “We were all very nervous. We talked about what our favourite lessons were. He said he wasn’t good at maths, but said it’s a good subject to learn.”

Meeting Staff

The couple sat down to speak with teachers about how the school was impacted by the attack and the support the infant and associated junior school has given to pupils. Headteachers at the school thanked the royal couple following what they described as a “tremendously stressful” year, after the attack left the local community devastated.

Jennie Sephton, head teacher of the infant school, said: “It’s made such a big difference. It was something that Jenni and David wanted them to do right from the beginning. It was around the recognition of what staff have done, how they have supported the family, how they have supported the children going forward. And it’s just real recognition that they value Jenni and David but they have also listened. It’s just so special.”

Adrian Antell, head of the attached junior school, said: “I would like to thank the royal couple for coming today and for coming to our school and for coming to Farnborough Road and recognising what we did. They spoke so wonderfully about what this community has done together, and they thanked this community for the work they have done, I think that’s really important we get that out.”

Flowers for the Princess

Catherine was given a posy of pink and white flowers – made by the same florist who created the school’s wreath for the little girl and which contained a silver fabric butterfly, just as the wreath had.

Visit to Churchtown Primary School

The Prince and Princess joined some of Alice da Silva Aguiar’s classmates in the school library to discuss the art therapy that has helped the now Year 6 pupils, aged between nine and ten, cope with such an unimaginably difficult and traumatic experience.

Catherine remarked: “It’s extraordinary that, the fact that you’ve been able to put your experiences into this art work together. Gosh it’s very powerful. I love the details. It’s very clever. You’ve created this totally unique piece of art that speaks to your journeys.

“It’s very unusual for young people to be able to express bad, hard and difficult emotions like you’ve done. That you’ve done it through art is a really clever and really expressive way. Has it really helped you?”

William added: “Well done you guys. Not only is it really lovely art, but it’s got such strong meaning behind it.”

Viewing the Commemorative Playground

The were shown around a new playground which was built in Bebe and Alice’s memory after a fundraising campaign.

The space includes a stage and new indoor and outdoor library, as well as areas for quiet reflection, a multi games space, climbing frame and bike cycle track for the youngest children.

William’s Speech

In a powerful speech, William said: “This playground is a symbol of how the community have come together to create such a positive place for the pupils of this school – a symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy.

“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 here at Churchtown Primary and Farnborough Road, where we visited this morning – each and every one of you has gone above and beyond to help heal this incredible group of young people. Thank you.”

“Be brave, be joyful, be kind”

Paying tribute to the grieving families, the Prince 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. To everyone impacted on that day you will never be forgotten. Enjoy this playground. Be brave, be joyful and be kind.”