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

Survivors of the tragic Southport stabbings earlier this year have been extended a heartfelt invitation to a festive event by the compassionate Princess of Wales. The victims, Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, tragically lost their lives due to severe injuries when an assailant invaded a Taylor Swift-themed dance party on July 30.

Last month, in her first official duty since completing chemotherapy treatment over the summer, Princess Kate and her husband William met with some of the victims, their families, and emergency responders. Now, in a touching move, the Princess of Wales has invited the survivors to her Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 6.

An insider revealed: "The Royal family have been a tremendous support to the families." Speaking to the Sun, they added: "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."

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The princess's surprise visit to Merseyside in October marked William and Kate's first joint official outing since the princess completed her chemotherapy treatment in the summer following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. It was understood that it had initially been planned as a solo visit for William, but Kate decided to accompany her husband to show her support and empathy, reports the Mirror.

The Waleses paid a visit to the families of the three tragically killed young girls and dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was also critically injured. The Royal couple spent a significant amount of time with each family group, arriving 45 minutes late, with Prince William heard apologising to those waiting.

During their visit, they inquired about the mental health support available to emergency service workers, with Princess Kate acknowledging that these personnel often support people through their "darkest times". She empathised, saying: "For you to witness that, you need support yourselves."

She also acknowledged the toll such experiences could take on them.

One police officer shared his experience of anxiety following the attack and subsequent time off work, which the Royal couple listened to attentively. Princess Kate expressed gratitude for the support provided by the emergency services on behalf of the bereaved families, saying: "I can't underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day. On behalf of them, thank you."

This heartfelt visit followed a previous one by King Charles in August, during which he expressed his "deepest sympathies" and pledged support for those affected.

He also personally thanked fire crews and paramedics before meeting victims, their families, and faith leaders in the town.