Prince William and Princess Kate surprised everyone with a visit to Southport, where they met with the families affected by the Southport attack, hero dance teacher Leanne Lucas, and the emergency responders who were on the scene in July. The visit was filled with emotions as people shared their stories of the tragic event.
The royal couple started their visit at the Compassion Acts center on Sussex Road, spending over an hour speaking with the families of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Leanne Lucas. They then made their way to the Southport Community Centre on Norwood Road, where they had a heartfelt discussion with the first responders who were present on the day of the attack that resulted in the loss of three schoolgirls and injuries to eight children and two adults.
Following the discussion, William and Kate engaged in conversations with key figures from the emergency services. Kate even continued her conversation with the responders inside the center. Mental health was a key topic during these discussions. The couple also spoke with Jen Beaven, Lorraine Culshaw, and Nikki Williams before departing from Merseyside.
Deputy manager Nikki Williams expressed the significance of the royal visit, stating, “We were just thanking them [William and Kate] for coming to the community center.” Lorraine Culshaw, a living well mentor at the center, highlighted the unity within the community and the appreciation for the royal couple’s visit to a community venue for these sessions.
Lorraine shared, “They said they can see the way everyone has come together and the impact it has had on individuals has actually brought people closer. It was really nice they recognized and noticed that.” Princess Kate also spoke about the importance of meeting with the families of the victims and the emergency responders, expressing gratitude on their behalf for the support provided on the day of the tragic event.
The visit of Prince William and Princess Kate to Southport not only brought comfort and support to those affected by the attack but also highlighted the resilience and unity of the community in times of adversity. Their presence and words of appreciation for the responders and community members further emphasized the importance of coming together and supporting one another in difficult times. The royal couple’s visit served as a reminder of the impact of kindness, empathy, and togetherness in healing and rebuilding communities after tragedy.