Prince William offered words of encouragement to the classmates of three young girls who tragically lost their lives in the Southport incident, urging them to show bravery, joy, and kindness.
Accompanied by the Princess of Wales, the royal couple visited schools where Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar had attended. At Churchtown Primary School, a new playground dedicated to Alice and Bebe, funded in part by a donation from William and Kate, was inaugurated.
The couple supported the fundraising efforts of Elsie’s father, David, and Alice’s father, Sergio, who ran the London Marathon in memory of their daughters. During a speech at the school, Prince William emphasized the community’s resilience and unity following the tragic events, praising the school’s efforts to create a positive environment in memory of the girls.
Addressing the grieving parents directly, Prince William commended them for their grace and strength in the face of unimaginable loss, assuring them of continued support. Princess Kate also interacted with students, admiring their artwork inspired by the girls’ memories and expressing appreciation for their emotional expression through art.
The couple’s visit was met with enthusiasm from the school children, who had been informed of the VIP visitors shortly before their arrival, leading to a joyful reception with cheers and flag-waving. The school heads appreciated the royal couple’s visit and highlighted the community’s efforts to find positivity amid sorrow.
After spending time at both schools, William and Kate met privately with the parents of the girls, receiving friendship bracelets from Bebe’s mother as a token of gratitude. This visit marked the second time the couple had visited Southport since the tragic incident, showing solidarity with the affected families and emergency service responders.
The couple’s previous visit in October 2024 saw them offering condolences and support to those impacted by the tragedy, acknowledging the pain and grief experienced by the community.