The royal visit by King Charles III to Southport today has “brought much-needed support” to the local community just three weeks after the tragedy in which three young girls were killed and several other children and adults were severely injured.
The monarch cut short his holiday at Balmoral to visit the town, where he spoke with children who had been injured, along with members of their family.
He also spoke with members of the emergency services, and others who have provided support in the wake of the horrific events which happened at a Taylor Swift themed dance and yoga event at The Hart Space in Southport.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: “I wish to thank His Majesty King Charles III for visiting Southport today. His visit brought much-needed support to our community during this incredibly difficult time following the horrific attack on 29th July.
“Meeting with survivors, families of the victims and community members at Southport Town Hall, the King paid his respects and acknowledged the tragic loss of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
“The King’s visit is the next step in our town’s healing process, and it’s really positive to see.
“I was glad to welcome him to our town today and to see the coming together of our town, which once again underscored the strength and unity of our community.”
Southport town centre saw hundreds of people turn up to welcome the King.
Patrick Hurley said: “I thought it was a really impressive visit.
“It was just the right thing for the town.
“People in Southport have been through a very traumatic few weeks.
“What we have seen today is a recognition of the hugely positive response that local people have shown in adversity.
“That is what The King recognised and came to give thanks for.
“In the aftermath of the tragedy, we saw uplifting responses from the local community such as the vigil, the clean-up operation after the riot, and the ‘Tears To Heaven’ bubble blowing event.
“We saw another example of that today with King Charles meeting people and hearing details about the huge community support there has been here.
“This royal visit is a really important part of the healing process.”
After the visit to Southport town centre, King Charles III then met heroes from the emergency services including firefighters, police officers, paramedics and first responders at Southport Fire & Ambulance Station.
Patrick Hurley said: “The King spent around 45 minutes at Southport Fire & Ambulance Station, making a point of speaking with everyone who was there.
“As well as people in the emergency services, he also spoke with members of the public, and representatives of local faith groups, including the Imam from the Mosque which was damaged and the shop which was vandalised and looted in the riot.
“When the King’s team started trying to usher him out, he said ‘I haven’t spoken with the people serving the teas and coffees yet’. He just made time for everyone.
“His visit to Southport was really welcome.
“After such an horrific tragedy, there is a time for raw emotions, and for grief. Southport is still very much in that time.
“What we have seen today with the visit by King Charles has been the first step towards building back for a better Southport.
“We can work together now to build community resilience and we can move forward.”
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “This Majesty The King travelled to Southport to express his continued support for those affected by the 29th July attack and the riot which followed in the town, and to thank frontline emergency staff for their ongoing work serving local people.”
Since the tragedy, over £170,000 has since been raised through The Community Foundation for Merseyside to support families left devastated by the tragedy.
The Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Sefton Council and Sefton CVS, acted within 24 hours to activate an urgent fundraising appeal for all those affected by the knife attack in Southport.
People are able to donate to the Southport Strong Together appeal via the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/southport-strong-together
Or you can text SOUTHPORT followed by your donation amount to 70085 to give that amount
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