Inside Kate Middleton's Emotional Meeting with Families of Young Girls Killed at Taylor Swift-Themed Dance Class

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middleton at Southport Community Centre in Southport, England on Oct. 10, 2024.Photo:DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

Kate Middleton’s first public engagement after completingchemotherapy treatmentincluded emotional meetings with the families of the children killed in amass stabbingat aTaylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class over the summer.

On Oct. 10, Princess Kate andPrince Williamstepped out in Southport, England to show support for the community in the wake of the deadly attack on July 29 in which three children were killed and 10 others, includingeight children, were injured. The Prince and Princess of Wales' poignant visit included private meetings with the families of thethree young girlswho died, as well as the dance teacher who witnessed the attack.

Kate Middleton and Prince William at Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024.Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty

Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty

“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,” William and Kate wrote on X on Oct. 10, sharing a photo of them meeting members of the emergency services.

Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on October 10, 2024 in Southport, England.Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty

The post was personally signed “W & C,” shorthand for their first initials, indicating that the message came directly from them.

The royal couple are parents to three children —Prince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6 — and Prince William brought his elder two children to a Taylor Swift concert in London on June 21, his 42nd birthday.

The Prince and Princess of Wales issued astatement of sympathyafter the stabbings, which referenced their perspective as parents.

“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. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack,” said the message on July 29.

“Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most,” it continued. It was signed “W & C.”

Kate Middleton and Prince William speak with members of the emergency services at Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024.Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty

The royals visited Southport on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day. Mental health is a key focus of the Royal Foundation, the couple’s shared charitable organization. Prince William is a retired RAF search and rescue pilot who further served with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and the mental health of emergency responders is a cause close to his heart.

The Sunreported that Princess Kate gave hugs to first responders as they recounted their experiences responding to the Southport stabbings, and Prince William urged the “heroes” to take the time they needed to heal.

Kate Middleton and Prince William in Southport on Oct. 10, 2024.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

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“The first thing we thought about was actually how on earth you guys are going to handle having seen what you’ve seen,” said the heir to the throne. “So please take your time, don’t rush back to work, do whatever you need to, talk about it, give your superiors a hard time if they are not letting you have that time to decompress, because it’s so important you have those moments.”

“You’re all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don’t rush back to work… you are all true professionals,” Prince William said.

Kate Middleton reacts as she speaks to members of the emergency services during a visit to Southport Community Centre in Southport, north west England on October 10, 2024.DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

According toThe Sun, Phil Garrigan, Merseyside chief fire officer, said, “The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been.”

“I think that just shows a really caring side and is very touching for them,” Garrigan added.

source: people.com