King Charles to Visit Southport today to Offer Support to Grieving Families and Thank Emergency Services

Today, Tuesday, August 20th, King Charles will make a significant visit to Southport, where he will offer his personal support to the community devastated by the shocking and tragic knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls last month. The King’s visit comes as part of his commitment to standing with those who have endured unimaginable loss and hardship.

The attack, which took place on July 29th during a dance class at The Hart Space Community Centre, resulted in the deaths of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. The tragedy has left the town in mourning, and King Charles is set to meet privately with the families most deeply affected by this horrific event.

The King’s visit will begin with a sensitive and private meeting at Southport Town Hall, where he will spend time with the young survivors of the attack and their families. This intimate gathering, held away from the public eye, underscores His Majesty’s deep concern for those who have been most directly impacted by the tragedy. For the survivors and their loved ones, the King’s presence is expected to be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.

In addition to his private meeting, King Charles will conduct a public visit to Southport Town Hall, where he will engage with other members of the community who have been affected by both the attack and the riots that followed. The King is expected to listen to their experiences, offering words of support as the town continues its journey towards healing.

His Majesty will also visit Southport Community Fire Station to express his heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded courageously to the attack. During this visit, he will meet with representatives from Merseyside’s police, fire and rescue, and ambulance services, along with regional leaders including the mayors of the Liverpool City Region and Sefton, and local MP Patrick Hurley. The King’s gratitude for the emergency responders highlights the critical role they played not only in the immediate aftermath of the attack but also in managing the violent disorder that erupted in the days that followed.

Local faith leaders, whose communities were targeted during the riots, will also have the opportunity to share their experiences with King Charles. His Majesty has long championed inter-faith dialogue, and this visit will further emphasize his dedication to fostering unity and understanding across different communities.

In a continuation of his commitment to supporting the bereaved, King Charles will meet with the grieving families from Southport in London tomorrow. This follow-up meeting reflects the King’s ongoing concern for their well-being and his desire to provide solace as they navigate their profound loss.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Bebe King, six

This visit by King Charles serves as a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and community in the face of tragedy. By bringing together survivors, families, emergency services, and community leaders, the King’s visit to Southport will not only honour those lost but also strengthen the bonds of a community united in its grief and resilience.