Prince William and Princess Kate wore a touching tribute to Bebe King, one of the three girls tragically killed in Southport last year, during their visit to the town.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were in Southport on Tuesday to show their ongoing support to the community following the attack in July 2024.
Bebe King, six, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, lost their lives last year in an attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the town.
William and Kate had last visited Southport in October 2024, where they stood in solidarity with the local community following the incident.
Prince William and Princess Kate wore special gifts from the mother of Bebe King, on the the girls tragically killed during last years attack, during a visit to Southport
|REUTERS
During Tuesday’s visit, the royal couple toured the schools which the three girls had attended, Churchtown Primary School and Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School.
The Prince and Princess shared a private meeting with Elsie Dot Stancombe’s parents while at her former school, Farnborough Road.
Later at Churchtown Primary, where Bebe and Alice had been pupils, they met with the parents of the two girls.
During their private meetings, William and Kate were given friendship bracelets by Lauren King, the mother of Bebe, bearing the words Bebe’s Hive - the name of the charity set up in her memory.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were given a friendship bracelet bearing Bebe's name
|GETTY
Speaking afterwards, Bebe’s mother Lauren, 42, said: “It meant everything. It was really special.
“I think we’re really grateful anyway how Bebe’s been honoured so much in this school, and seeing the prince and princess support that and be here has been just amazing.”
In a touching gesture, the couple then wore the beautiful tributes throughout the rest of their engagements on the day.
The pair were photographed, wearing the friendship bracelets, as they were shown a new playground installed at Churchtown Primary intended to be a joyful, healing space for the school’s pupils.
While there, William delivered a powerful address to the assembled schoolchildren and teachers – while wearing the bracelet.
The royal couple shared private meetings with the parents of the three girls while visiting the schools they had attended
|PA
In his speech, the prince said: “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,” he continued.
“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,” William stressed as he continued his speech.
Addressing the parents of the girls, the prince said: “To Alex and Sergio, Lauren and Ben, Jenni and David – you are parents united in grief.
While at Churchtown Primary School, Prince William delivered a powerful speech a year on from the attack in Southport
|KENSINGTON PALACE
“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,” he assured.
Speaking to the schoolchildren before him, William implored them to "be brave, be joyful and be kind".
“Thank you,” the Prince of Wales concluded the powerful address.
Commenting on the visit, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Prince and Princess were incredibly struck by how the community in Southport have come together in the face of deep adversity, showcasing the power of love, connection and hope for the future.”