Kate Middleton's special Christmas gift to Southport horror stabbing survivors

Survivors of the Southport attacks and their families will be the special guest at the Princess of Wales' Together at Christmas concert in December, after meeting several last month

Survivors of the Southport stabbings earlier this year have been invited to a special festive activity by the caring Princess of Wales.

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. Last month, during her first official engagement since chemotherapy treatment ended in the summer, Princess Kate and husband William met some of the victims, families and emergency workers.

Now, in a sweet gesture, the Princess of Wales has invited the survivors to her Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 6. A source said: “The Royal family have been a tremendous support to the families."

Speaking to the Sun, they said: “The King met the survivors, then Kate took time out to meet them in private last month with Prince William. Now she has personally ensured everyone is invited to her concert which, this year, will mean more to her than ever before.”

The princess’s unannounced trip to Merseyside in October 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 was understood it had been planned as a solo visit for William but Kate decided to join her husband in order to show her support and empathy.

The Waleses met the families of the three slain little girls and dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was also critically wounded. The prince and princess spent half an hour with each of the family groups and were 45 minutes late arriving, and William could be heard apologising to the waiting guests.

During the meeting, the royal couple sat together and asked about the mental health support which had been available to emergency service workers. Kate said the personnel had been supporting people through their "darkest times". She said: "For you to witness that, you need support yourselves." The princess said she imagined the experience took "its toll" on them.

One police officer told the couple of suffering anxiety following the attack and being off work. Kate and William nodded as they listened to the experiences. Referencing the earlier meeting with the families of those who died in the attack, the Princess of Wales said: "I can't underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day. On behalf of them, thank you."

The couple's touching visit to Southport followed another by the King in August, when His Majesty expressed his "deepest sympathies" and pledged to support those affected. King Charles had also personally thanked fire crews and paramedics before meeting with victims and their families as well as faith leaders in the town.