King Charles III visited Southport, Merseyside, England on August 19, 2024, meeting with survivors and offering condolences following a knife attack that killed three young girls. His visit aimed to provide comfort to a grieving community and express the royal family’s support during a time of intense mourning.
The attack occurred on July 29, 2024 during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space Community Centre. Three girls—Bebe King, age six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, age seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, age nine—were fatally stabbed by a 17-year-old attacker, Axel Rudakubana, who has since been charged with murder and attempted murder. Ten others were seriously injured in the incident, which shocked the town of Southport.
Upon arrival at Southport Town Hall, King Charles viewed a large memorial of flowers and tributes left in memory of the victims. He spent time speaking with members of the public, many of whom gathered to witness the visit, describing the atmosphere as a sad reflection. The king acknowledged the scale of the memorial, which stretched across the square, expressing his appreciation for the community’s unity in tragedy.
One emotional moment during the visit was when a young boy named Max handed King Charles a small silk heart. The king accepted it with a smile and gently patted the boy on the head. Another touching gesture came from a woman named June, who gave the king crocheted pink hearts for Princess Catherine and Princess Charlotte. “I will,” the king promised, agreeing to pass on the gifts.
King Charles met privately with some survivors and their families, offering words of sympathy and compassion. He also signed a book of condolence inside the town hall, writing “In deepest sympathy” alongside his name and the date. The book had been opened shortly after the attack, giving the public a space to share their thoughts and prayers.
The king’s visit also included meetings with Merseyside emergency service workers, local volunteers, and community groups that had been instrumental in responding to the incident. These workers were praised for their bravery and commitment to keeping Southport safe. King Charles expressed his admiration for the town’s resilience and the coordinated efforts of first responders.
A key aspect of his visit was addressing the unrest that followed the attack. Riots had erupted in the days after, spurred by misinformation regarding the suspect’s background. Far-right groups seized on false claims, leading to clashes and unrest across parts of England. King Charles called for unity, emphasizing the need for compassion and solidarity in difficult times.
In addition to his time in Southport, King Charles will soon meet with the bereaved families in London, where he will continue to offer his condolences and support. The families of the victims, who are still struggling with the enormity of their loss, will have the opportunity to speak privately with the monarch.
