Princess of Wales invites Southport attack survivors to Christmas concert

The Princess of Wales has invited the survivors of the Southport stabbing attack to a Christmas carol concert. Kate, who is currently recovering from cancer, has invited the child survivors of the Southport stabbing attack to her annual Christmas carol concert a Westminster Abbey on December 6, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space in the town on July 29. The attack left eight other children and two adults - Leanne Lucas and John Hayes - injured.

Following the attack and a visit from King Charles, Kate made a surprise visit to Merseyside last month with her husband William when they met the bereaved families of the victims and yoga teacher Leanne Lucas at Compassion Acts on Sussex Road. The couple then walked round to Southport Community Centre on Norwood Road where they met emergency responders who attended the attack.

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Last month, the parents of Elsie Dot Stancombe announced the formation of Elsie's Story, a charitable trust formed in memory of the seven-year-old. They have outlined how they want to use Elsie's name when donating money to charitable causes that focus on helping young people and supporting people in the community

The royal couple discussed mental health and how the emergency workers have dealt with the effects of the attack. The princess has set her sights being able to stage the Together At Christmas service in 2024 despite the health challenges she has faced in what the Prince of Wales described as a “brutal” year.

It forms part of her gradual return to public duties after finishing chemotherapy treatment in the summer. The Palace said Kate, who honoured the war dead at Remembrance events earlier this month, wanted the theme of this year’s carol service to celebrate those supporting others in need, with a focus on the importance of love and empathy.

“The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.” The Palace added: “This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.

“This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.”

It will be the fourth time Kate has staged her Together At Christmas carol service, which is supported by The Royal Foundation. The event will be filmed as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.

Members of the royal family will gather with the princess as around 1,600 people fill the abbey in London for musical performances by stars including Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter. Among the invited guests will be people who have given support, either on a personal level with friends and family, or through their work or volunteering.

They have been nominated by charities associated with the royal family, and by Lord Lieutenants, the King’s representatives in counties across the UK. Last year Kate and William’s children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attended, along with Kate’s Middleton family.