Kate Middleton’s ‘very touching’ gesture during emotional meeting with Southport heroes

The Princess of Wales broke off during a meeting with Southport rescue teams to those who had rescued children in the shocking attacks.

Princess Kate made a surprise visit with Prince William to meet with the families of victims and emergency workers who were caught up in the horrific stabbings. After a private meeting with the victims, William and Kate went on to thank brave rescue crews who rushed to save children stabbed in the ordeal.

Chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Phil Garrigan, revealed how the Princess of Wales broke off during the emotional meeting to give her own personal thanks. He said: “The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been. I think it just shows a really caring side and is very very touching for them.”

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, died as a result of their catastrophic injuries when a knifeman broke into a Taylor Swift- themed dance party on July 30. Dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, was also critically wounded after being stabbed in the neck, back and arms as she fought to protect her class.

The unannounced trip to Merseyside today was William and Kate’s first joint official outing since the princess’s course of chemotherapy treatment ended in the summer following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. It is understood the engagement was planned as a solo visit for William but Kate decided to join her husband in order to show her support, empathy and compassion for the local community. The Waleses met the families of the three slain little girls and Leanne in a private reception, before moving to Southport Community Centre.