Kate Middleton and Prince William are continuing their support for the grieving families and schoolchildren affected by the horrific attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

On Sept. 23, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, made an unannounced visit to spend time with kids, teachers and families in Southport, near Liverpool, to show their ongoing support for the community following the tragedy.

Three girls — Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 — were killed during the knife attack in July 2024. In January 2025, Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years after admitting to his role in the deadly attack.

Tuesday’s visit was the latest by the couple to the area. They were last there in October 2024 when they met with bereaved families and some of the emergency responders who were working on that tragic day.

On Sept. 23, the couple began their visit at Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School, which Elsie Dot Stancombe attended. There, William and Kate spoke to the teachers about how the school was impacted by the attack and the support the infant and associated junior school has given to pupils, staff and the local community.

Kate told some of the students, “Well, I am very impressed with all of you — all the hard work you’ve done. What a fantastic thing to learn how to raise money to help other people. Fantastic, so keep up your hard work, and thank you,” according to Hello! magazine.

They then met privately with Elsie’s parents and her younger sister.

The Prince and Princess of Wales continued their visit on Sept. 23 at Churchtown Primary School, where the couple met privately with the parents of Bebe King and Alice da Silva Aguiar as well as children from the school who were affected by the attack.

The royal couple was then taken to spend time with a group of Alice’s classmates, who told them about an art project they had been working on to show the progression of their grief and how they are looking ahead with hope.

William and Kate were also shown around a playground that has been created to remember and honor the two girls from the school who died on July 29, 2024. With its own stage and a new indoor and outdoor library, it also provides space for quiet reflection, while there is a games area, a climbing frame and a cycle track for the youngest children. The project has helped the community focus on the future in a positive manner.

The school donated leftover money from the fundraising for the playground to some local charities, which have been helping the community recover from the trauma, and three charities were set up in the girls’ names: Alice’s WonderDance Foundation, Bebe’s Hive and Elsie’s Story.

The Prince and Princess of Wales then took part in a celebration of the new playground, and William made a short speech.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” he began. “Catherine and I were sadly not able to join you all last week when this wonderful new playground had its grand opening. We are so happy to be with you today to celebrate this project and to say how proud we are of all of you and the community of Southport.

He added, “This playground is a symbol of how the community have come together to create such a positive place for the pupils of this school — a symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy. Many lives were changed on that terrible day – including countless members of this school community. Bebe, Alice and Elsie’s friends and classmates have come together to support each other and remember the girls in their own way.”

Addressing the girls’ parents, Prince William said, “You are parents united in grief. You have faced such horror — but from that, you move forward with grace and fortitude, creating the most remarkable legacies for your girls. We will always be here to support you.”

He concluded, “To everyone impacted on that day, you will never be forgotten. Enjoy this playground. Be brave, be joyful and be kind.”

When news of the tragedy first broke in July 2024, William and Kate — parents to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — issued a statement of sympathy: “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.”

After the couple’s emotional visit last October, the couple wrote on their social media: “We continue to stand with everyone in Southport. Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

That came about a month after Kate announced that she completed chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

And in December, Princess Kate invited the families and survivors from the town to her Together at Christmas  carol service held at Westminster Abbey.

The couple’s visit to Southport in Oct. 2024 followed that of King Charles’ poignant trip there on Aug. 20, where he met some of the families affected by the tragedy and other local groups and faith leaders impacted by the violence.