Caring Kate gives thanks and hugs to heroes of Southport

Princess makes unplanned visit to tragedy town

- Emily Ferguson

COMPASSIONATE Kate delivered hugs and heartfelt thanks to emergency workers who responded to the Southport child stabbings in a surprise appearance yesterday.

She had not been scheduled to join Prince William, but just before he arrived in the town, Kensington Palace announced his wife had decided to accompany him.

It is understood the Princess of Wales wanted to show her support, empathy and compassion for the grieving community.

She and William, 42, spent 90 minutes talking privately to the families of victims Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine.

They were killed in the July 29 knife rampage as they attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.

The royals also talked to dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was stabbed in the neck, back and arms as she fought to protect her class.

Comforted

William and Kate then headed to the Merseyside town's community centre where they spoke to tearful emergency service members and health practitioners for 30 minutes.

It marked the couple's first official joint visit since Kate's cancer treatment ended in the summer and also the 42-year-old's first community engagement since last December.

As William and Kate comforted the 999 responders, he told them they were all heroes.