Kate Middleton honors Southport stabbing victims with pink details and friendship bracelets during Southport visit

Kate Middleton and Prince William returned to the Liverpool area on Tuesday to show support for families affected by the June 2024 knife attack in Southport. They visited Churchtown Primary School in Southport, meeting the parents and other relatives of three girls who were killed and hearing how the community has tried to heal in the year since.

During the engagement, Kate wore a pink Burberry Silk Crepe de Chine blouse paired with a charcoal wool coat from Jigsaw and a Smythson cross‑body bag. The couple were given friendship bracelets by Bebe's mother, Lauren King, which they wore for the rest of the day as a heartfelt tribute. The bracelets bear the name of Bebe's Hive, the charity set up in memory of Bebe, and they acknowledged the victims' families. The color pink has become a symbol for the victims and survivors, and Kate's attire included pink detailing. Across the region, pink lights lit landmarks in memory of the girls and others affected, including St George’s Hall, the Cunard Building, the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Chester Town Hall, as well as hospitals. The beaded bracelets have also figured as a broader pop culture symbol linked to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, with fans trading them at concerts.

At Churchtown Primary School, the royal couple toured a commemorative playground created in memory of Elsie, Alice and Bebe. Fundraising had supported the playground and other charities; the event also highlighted the involvement of the girls’ families in ongoing remembrance efforts. The couple had previously visited Southport in October last year and had publicly expressed continued support for the community and the families affected by the attack. The playground project involved contributions from parents, staff and local donors, with funds also going to charities founded in memory of the three girls. The royal couple privately donated to the appeal.

The case behind the tragedy remains a defining moment for the town. Axel Rudakubana, then aged 18, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years for carrying out the attack that claimed the lives of Elsie, Alice and Bebe and left eight others injured. Local officials and families have continued to emphasize resilience and unity as the community moves through the healing process.

During the visit, William urged pupils to remember the girls and to carry forward a message of bravery, joy and kindness as a reflection of the community’s response to tragedy. The couple’s presence underscored a pledge to stand with Southport as it moves toward healing and renewal.