Prince William and Princess Kate offered their condolences to the victims and families affected by a horrific stabbing Monday at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class in the United Kingdom, which left three children dead and almost a dozen other kids and adults injured.
“As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through,” the Waleses wrote in a joint statement released on social media yesterday. “We send our love, thoughts, and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack. Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.”
The two signed the note off with their initials: “W & C.”
Merseyside Police said in a statement on Monday that they responded to reports of a stabbing in Southport, England, at 11:50 a.m. and detained a male suspect. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy later confirmed in a press conference that two girls, ages six and seven, had died in the knife attack. A third victim, a nine-year-old girl, died of her injuries early this morning. Eight other children were injured, five of whom remain in critical condition. Two adults are also in critical condition.
Kennedy said a 17-year-old from Cardiff, Wales, had been arrested on “suspicion of murder and attempted murder,” and that he had been taken to a police station for further investigation.
The attack happened at a dance school during a Taylor Swift–themed event for kids.
The pop star responded to the devastating news in a message posted to her Instagram Story early today. “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock,” Swift wrote. “The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class.”
She continued, “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers’ rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset.
