Princess Catherine in Southport: Why she needs to take time to recover a year on from end of cancer treatment
The Prince and Princess of Wales have returned to Southport to show support for families of girls murdered at a dance class.
In January 2025, Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years for the murders of three young girls, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, in Southport. Also seriously wounded in the attack were dance class leader Leanne Lucas and businessman Jonathan Hayes.
Ursula Doyle, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, described what happened as “an unspeakable attack – one which left an enduring mark on our community and the nation for its savagery and senselessness.
“At the start of the school holidays, a day which should have been one of carefree innocence; of children enjoying a dance workshop and making friendship bracelets, became a scene of the darkest horror as Axel Rudakubana carried out his meticulously planned rampage.
“It is clear that this was a young man with a sickening and sustained interest in death and violence. He has shown no sign of remorse.
“The prosecution was determined to prove his guilt. Today’s plea has spared the families at the heart of this case the pain of having to relive their ordeal through a trial.
“Today, our thoughts are with all those whose lives were altered by what happened on that day.
“Most of all, we think of Elsie, Bebe, and Alice – the three beautiful young girls whose lives were cut short – and wish strength and courage to the families who loved and cherished them.”
In October 2024, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Southport to show their support for the community. The royal family’s website shared information about the visit and said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales have visited Southport to show support to the community and hear how people have come together as the town recovers from the tragic knife attack that took place on 29th July 2024.
“Their Royal Highnesses also met privately with the families of the three children who tragically lost their lives and one of the dance teachers who was present when the attack happened.
“During the visit, The Prince and Princess of Wales also met with the fire, ambulance, air ambulance and police services at the Southport Community Centre. The Prince and Princess heard about their experiences of responding to the attack and the impact it has had on their mental health. Their Royal Highnesses also met mental health practitioners who have been working to deliver long term support to
“In the aftermath of the incident, the National Police and Wellbeing Service set up a fundraiser to help those who were involved in the immediate response. It was supported by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Blue Light Card Foundation who made donations to help fast track psychological and physical rehab for police and ambulance personnel involved in the attack and the subsequent riots.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have now visited Southport for a second time today (Tuesday September 23) and went to Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School and Churchtown Primary School, the schools attended by the victims- Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King. During the visit, Prince William said: "The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.”
When Catherine, Princess of Wales last visited Southport in October 2024, it was particularly poignant as it was her first public engagement after she finished chemotherapy. In July of this year, the Princess of Wales made an unannounced visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital and spoke about her experiences after cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales revealed that “it's life changing for anyone, through first diagnosis or post treatment and things like that, it is a life changing experience, both for the patient but also for the families as well. And actually it sometimes goes unrecognised, you don't necessarily, particularly when it's the first time, appreciate how much impact it is going to have. “
Catherine, Princess of Wales also said: "You have to find your new normal and that takes time…and it's a roller coaster it's not one smooth plain, which you expect it to be. But the reality is it's not, you go through hard times. And to have a place like this to have the support network, through creativity and singing or gardening whatever it might be is so valuable and it’s great this community has it, it would be great if lots of communities had this kind of support."
When Catherine, Princess of Wales pulled out of attending Royal Ascot, it was reported that she was still finding the right balance as she returns to public engagements after finishing treatment for cancer. Although it has been a year on since her treatment came to an end, it is important to remember that the Princess herself made reference to a “new normal” and how it’s “a rollercoaster,” and I do hope that she does not put too much pressure on herself both emotionally and physically in the coming months.