Prince William has delivered a powerful speech at Churchtown Primary School in Southport, imploring them to “be brave” and “move forward with grace and fortitude”.
The Prince of Wales was joined by Princess Kate as they carried out engagements in Southport to show their ongoing support to the community following the attack in July 2024.
Last year, three girls - Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe – were tragically killed at a dance class in the town.
The royal couple had last visited Southport in October 2024, where they stood in solidarity with the local community following the incident.
Prince William delivered a powerful speech while he and Princess Kate attended Churchtown Primary School in Southport
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William and Kate were welcomed to Churchtown Primary School, which had been attended by Bebe King and Alice da Silva Aguiar.
Following the tragic killings, the school constructed a new playground which intended to be a joyful, healing space for the school’s pupils.
The new space includes a new indoor and outdoor library, a quiet reflection space, a multi-games space, a climbing frame, a bike cycle and a stage for performances.
To make his speech, Prince William took to the stage where he addressed the assembled pupils and teachers.
William spoke to the assembled schoolchildren and teachers from their new playground's stage
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“Catherine and I were sadly not able to join you all last week when this wonderful new playground had its grand opening,” the Prince of Wales began.
“We are so happy to be with you today to celebrate this project and to say how proud we are of all of you and the community of Southport,” he shared.
“The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.
He continued: “But last year, Sergio and Alex, you told us you wanted to create a special playground in memory of the girls and here we are.”
The new playground is intended as joyful, healing space for the school’s pupils following last year's tragedy
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“Your vision and your determination, supported by Jinnie, the Trust and people’s generosity, has made this hope a reality.
“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,” William stressed.
The Prince of Wales 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 celebrated.
The Walses toured both Churchtown Primary School and Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School, which had been attended by the three girls who tragically died last year
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“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.
“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,” the prince assured.
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William called on the children to 'be brave, be joyful and be kind' during his emotional address
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“To everyone impacted on that day you will never be forgotten.
William called on the schoolchildren to "enjoy this playground” and called on 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.”