Princess Kate meets families of Southport stabbing victims in first engagement since cancer treatment

By StephenRigley

The Princess of Wales has made a surprise visit to Southport with the Prince of Wales to meet the families of the three girls who died following the knife attack this summer.

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It is a rare public appearance by the princess - her first community visit since the end of last year, her first since her cancer diagnosis and the end of her chemotherapy.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, lost their lives in the attacks which rocked not just the town, but also the entire UK.

The Princess made the appearance alongside Prince William in their first public outing together since she finished cancer treatment.

The Royal couple met with fire, ambulance, air ambulance and police services at the Southport Community Centre.

Referencing the earlier meeting with the families of those who died in the attack, the Princess of Wales said: "I can't underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day.

"On behalf of them, thank you."

The Prince of Wales told the personnel: "You're all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don't rush back to work."

The couple shook hands with the emergency workers after the conversation.

Kate rested a hand on William's back as she joined him to speak to a member of air ambulance crew.

Lorraine Culshaw, a living well mentor based at the community centre, expressed how "lovely" it was to meet Wills and Kate.

She said: "They said they could see the way everybody came together and it was really lovely they recognised and noticed that.

"They spoke about how the interviews were and said how emotional it was."

The Southport stabbings sparked riots across the UK after a knifeman entered the Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the community centre in Southport.

The suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, has been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder.

This visit came just days after Will and Kate met with an 'inspirational' young girl battling cancer.

Kate Middleton, 42, met with sixteen-year-old photographer Liz at Windsor Castle on Wednesday alongside her husband Prince William.

Sharing a snap of Liz and her family, Princess Kate said: "A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today."A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both.

"Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. W&C"