Prince William said “love will always overcome tragedy” in a moving speech as the Prince and Princess of Wales made a welcome return to Southport.
William and Catherine made their royal visit to meet excited children, teaching staff and families at Farnborough Road Junior and Infant schools in Birkdale and Churchtown Primary School in Churchtown.
They also met the inspirational parents of Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 (a former pupil at Farnborough Road Infants School) and parents of Bebe King, 6, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 (former pupils of Churchtown Primary School) who were tragically killed in the Southport tragedy last summer.
They have been incredible community champions, through their charities Elsie’s Story, Alice’s WonderDance and Bebe’s Hive, making a positive difference to others’ lives.
Prince William told them: “You have faced such horror. But from that you have moved forward with grace and with fortitude creating the most remarkable legacies for your girls.
“We will always be here to support you.”
William and Catherine began their visit at Farnborough Road where they toured the school and saw the new Show Garden which has been planted in the grounds this summer after being donated by Southport Flower Show.
It was the winner of the 2025 Schools Design A Garden Competition.
The royal couple then visited Churchtown Primary School where they saw the brand new playground and library, which have been created following a fundraising campaign which has raised an incredible £400,000 thanks to the generosity of people in Southport and across the UK, along with new murals painted for free by local artist Tony Wynne.
Speaking on the new stage in the playground at Churchtown Primary School, Prince William said: “Good afternoon everyone.
“Catherine and I were sadly unable to join you last week when this wonderful new playground had its grand opening.
“But we are so happy to be with you today to celebrate this project and to say how proud we are of all of you in the community of Southport.
“The tragic events which unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.
“But last year, Sergio and Alex, you told us you wanted to create a special playground in memory of the girls and here we are.
“Your vision and your determination supported by Jinnie and the Trust and people’s generosity has made this hope a reality.
“This playground is a symbol of how the community has come together to create such a positive place for the pupils of this school.
“It’s 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’s, Alice’s and Elsie’s friends and classmates have come together to support each other and remember the girls in their own way.
“To the teaching community here at Churchtown Primary and Farnborough Road, where we visited this morning, each and every one of you has gone above and beyond to help heal this incredible group of young people. Thank you.
“To Alex and Sergio, Lauren and Ben, Jenni and David, you are parents united in grief.
“You have faced such horror. But from that you have moved forward with grace and with fortitude creating the most remarkable legacies for your girls.
“We will always be here to support you.
“To everyone impacted on that day – you will never be forgotten.
“Enjoy this playground; be brave; be joyful; and be kind.”
In a statement, the Prince and Princess of Wales William and Catherine said: “It was a deeply moving visit to Southport remembering Alice, Bebe and Elsie.
“To see first hand how the community, their schools and families have come together in the face of such loss – creating spaces of love, connection and hope – was incredible.
“Projects like the new playground at Churchtown Primary School, shaped in the girls’ memory, are places of healing that will support their classmates and bring people together for the future.”
- To support Elsie’s Story visit: Elsie’s Story | Creating Smiles. Cherishing Memories. Spreading Hope.
- To support Bebe’s Hive visit: Home | Child Grief Support | Bebe’s Hive CIC
- To support Alice’s WonderDance visit: Sergio Aguiar is fundraising for Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside
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