Kate Middleton Invites Families from Taylor Swift-Themed Dance Class Attack to Her Carol Service

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middleton meeting emergency workers in Southport on Oct. 10, 2024.Photo:DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

Kate Middletonis reaching out to the families from the horrific knife attack on aTaylor Swift-themed dance class.

The Princess of Wales has invited the families and survivors from the town of Southport to her Christmas carol service on Friday, Dec. 6.

Three children were killed in a July 29 massstabbingat the yoga and dance class. The deadly attack also saw 10 others, includingeight children, injured. The Princess’s office at Kensington Palace has confirmed that families from the town have been invited to the concert at Westminster Abbey, on Dec. 6.The Sunwas the first to report the story.

Kate, who is recovering from hertreatment for cancer, andPrince William, both 42, met the families of thethree young girlswho died, and others who were caught up in the tragedy — including the dance teacher who witnessed the horror — when they made a surprise visit to Southport in October. They also spent time with some of the emergency services who rushed to the scene on that summer day.

The Princess’s trip to Southport was part of her gradual re-immersing in to royal duties since she announced on Sept. 9 that herchemotherapy treatmenthad ended.

Princess Kate and Prince William in Southport on Oct. 10, 2024.Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty

Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty

The annual Christmas carol service has become something of a fixture in the royal calendar and December 6 will be the fourth time Princess Kate has hosted one. When it was announced, Kensington Palacesaid of the themeof theTogether at Christmasservice: “This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need —individuals who have inspired, counseled, comforted and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.”

“This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story, which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.”

Princess Kate and Prince William in Southport on Oct. 10, 204.Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty

Like other years, Kate has invited around 1,600 guests from around the U.K. who have worked for their communities and helped others in need. “This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives. The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the U.K. who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities,” Kate’s office added in their statement.

Princess Kate, with Princess Charlotte and Prince George at the the service on Dec. 8, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

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The Prince and Princess of Wales issued astatement of sympathyafter the Southport stabbings in July, which referenced their perspective as a fellow mom and dad.

“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.

source: people.com