The King is set to visit Southport to offer his support to the community following the recent knife attack. During his visit, he will hold a private meeting at The Hart Space community centre with the children and families most directly affected by the tragic event on July 29.
Following this, he will make a public appearance at Southport Town Hall, where he will engage with other community members to discuss the attack and the subsequent unrest.
The King will also express his gratitude to the emergency services involved. He will visit Southport Community Fire Station to meet with representatives from Merseyside’s police, fire and rescue, and ambulance services, as well as regional leaders, including the mayors of Liverpool City Region and Sefton, and local MP Patrick Hurley.
In addition, the King will hear from other local groups affected by the violence, including faith leaders, who will have the opportunity to share their experiences.
The attack, which occurred during a Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop for primary school children, resulted in the deaths of three young girls: six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar. Eight other children and two adults were also injured. Seventeen-year-old Axel Rudakubana, now 18, has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
In the aftermath of the “appalling attack,” the King expressed his deep shock and extended his condolences, stating, “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.” When questions arose about his response, the palace revealed that he was receiving daily updates and had spoken with the prime minister and emergency service leaders. The King commended the community spirit that had emerged in the face of violence, highlighting the “compassion and resilience of the many” over “the aggression and criminality of a few.”
“It remains His Majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation,” the palace added.
Throughout his reign and time as heir, the King has consistently focused on promoting community cohesion and celebrating the diversity of Britain’s communities. Sky News reported that he was eager to visit the affected areas to show his support, but wanted to ensure that his visit did not place additional pressure on frontline services until they were ready.
