Kate Middleton and Prince William Wear Bracelets Gifted to Them in Southport

Kate Middleton and Prince William left their emotional visit to Southport with matching mementos.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, made an unannounced visit to the small town near Liverpool on Sept. 23 to continue their support for the grieving families and schoolchildren affected by last year’s horrific knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

On July 29, 2024, three girls — Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 — were killed as they took part in the class at the Hart Space dance studio. 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.

Kate and William toured the girls’ schools and met privately with each of their families. It was Bebe’s mom, Lauren King, who gifted the couple with a special keepsake in her daughter’s memory: matching friendship bracelets that spelled out “Bebe’s Hive,” a grief support charity for children founded in the young girl’s name.

“It meant everything,” Lauren told GB News of her moment with the royal couple. “It was really special.”

“I think we’re really grateful anyway how Bebe’s been honored so much in this school, and seeing the prince and princess support that and be here has been just amazing,” she added.

Princess Kate and Prince William continued to wear the bracelets throughout the day, including when they toured a new playground at Bebe and Alice’s school, Churchtown Primary School, which was built in the girls’ memory. It features plenty of areas for play, including a climbing frame and a cycle track, as well as quiet reflection, like the indoor and outdoor library.

Speaking to the families and fellow students of the young victims, William said, “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,” he continued. “To everyone impacted on that day, you will never be forgotten. Enjoy this playground. Be brave, be joyful and be kind.”

Addressing the girls’ parents directly, the Prince of Wales added, “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.”

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Following the initial news of the tragic attack, 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. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack.”

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