More than two months after one Taylor Swift-themed children's dance class became the site of a fatal stabbing — in which three children died and several more people were injured — Prince William and Kate Middleton visited Southport, England on Thursday (October 10) to join the city in paying tribute to the victims and their families.
According to Peoplethe royal couple met privately with the families of the three young girls killed in the July 29 attack, as well as the dance teacher who was there when it happened. Eight other children and two adults were also injured in the mass stabbing, for which a 17-year-old stabber has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also reportedly spoke to Southport first responders sent to the crime scene about how the traumatic experience affected their mental health — a timely topic of discussion given that October 10 is World Mental Health Day Health.
“A sincere thank you to the people of Southport for speaking out about your experiences and honoring the young lives lost,” read a message to Will and Kate's official. Instagramalong with a video of footage of the couple's visit. “In the face of tragedy, the strength and resilience of this community was a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us. As healing continues, take comfort in the incredible support around you. Every shared memory, act of kindness and moment of unity brings hope for the future and ensures that those lost will never be forgotten.”
The outing marked Middleton's first public engagement since announcing in September that she had completed chemotherapy. Six months ago, the princess revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer and would be undergoing treatment.
Ahead of the royal couple's visit to Southport, Swift also met with families affected by the attack backstage at one of her August Eras tour concerts in London. In July, the pop star wrote that she was “completely shocked” by the tragedy in a statement shared on her Instagram, adding that the “horror” of the violence “washed away. [her] continuously.”
“The loss of life and the innocence and the horrific trauma that was caused to everyone who was there, the families and the first responders,” he added at the time. “These were just little kids in a dance class. I am at a complete loss as to how I will ever convey my condolences to these families.”
Watch excerpts from Prince William and Princess Kate's visit to Southport below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kate-middleton-prince-william-visit-taylor-swift-dance-class-stabbings-southport-1235798232/
