The Princess of Wales, Catherine, made a surprise public appearance today. Kate Middleton joined her husband, Prince William, for a visit to Southport to meet the grieving families of the victims of the Taylor Swift Dance Party victim attack. It was Princess Kate’s first public engagement since she completed her chemotherapy last month. It also happened to be her first public engagement of the year other than the Royal events she had attended with the families.
The Royal couple privately met with the families of three little girls who were killed in a knife attack in July this year. Bebe King, age 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, age 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, age 9, were taking part in a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class when the knife attack happened. 8 other children and 2 adults were also injured in the horrific incident. The couple’s meeting with the families was kept private and was announced only once they left for a short walk to the Southport Community Centre.
DailyMail reported, “During the Waleses’ visit, the couple also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as they were attacked by a knifeman during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class. Afterwards the couple spoke to emergency responders who attended and helped on the day.”
During the conversation with the Emergency responder, the couple heard about their experience. They also met with the mental health practitioners who have been working to deliver long term support to the blue light community in Southport. The Prince and Princess of Wales reconfirmed their dedication to stand by the community today and in the future.
Hello Mag reported, “The community was shaken by the horrific knife attack on 29 July, where three children lost their lives, and ten others were seriously injured, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.It’s understood that William and Kate wanted to visit today to show their support to the three bereaved families, the first responders and the community of Southport.The couple spent time privately with the bereaved families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was critically wounded during the attack. “
The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales has made a donation to the the National Police and Wellbeing Service’s fundraiser to help fast track psychological and physical rehabilitation for police and ambulance personnel who were involved in the attack and the subsequent riots. The visit also marked the International Mental Health Day. William and Kate have been a long standing champion of Mental health and well being.
I think being able to have opportunities to be able to speak to different people in the community about the experience and drawing that together and sharing their experience I think is massively helpful – The Princess of Wales
Continuing from Hello!, “Speaking afterwards, Chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Phil Garrigan said he had a “really lovely fleeting conversation” with William and Kate.He added: “The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been. I think that just shows a really caring side and is very, very touching for them.”
Kate Middleton’s appearance today is not a signal of her full time recovery. The Palace has reiterated many times that Princess Kate’s taking one day at a time and is focusing on her health and family for the time being. She will attend engagements as her health and recovery allows her. Although The Princess is hopeful to host her annual Christmas Carol at Westminster Abbey this year. She also held a meeting with the organization committee at Windsor castle last month.
What Princess of Wales wore to visit Southport
- Alexander McQueen Double-breasted Camel-wool Coat – Repeat from Boston visit 2022
- Whistles Margot Sport Shirt Dress – Repeat from BBC Awards
- Welsh Wedding Band – Royal Jewel
- Annoushka Eclipse Diamond Eternity Ring – Repeat
- Catherine Zoraida Gold Fern Hoop Earrings – Repeat from 2020 Ireland Visit
- Emmy London Natasha Clutch – Repeat Oxford School visit 2018
