Prince William and Kate Middleton Release Statement After ‘Heinous’ Southport Knife Attack

Prince William and Kate Middleton shared heartfelt condolences in a public statement on Monday in response to a horrific knife attack in Southport, England.

“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 Prince and Princess of Wales shared in a message posted to social media Monday afternoon. “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,” concluded William and Kate, who share three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.

Two children were murdered and several others were injured in a devastating attack that happened during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class in Southport Monday morning.

A 17-year-old male was reportedly arrested in connection to the knife attack. He was taken into police custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, BBC News reports.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla also addressed the violent events in a public statement, sharing, “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident.”

“We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack,” Charles concluded.

The event was advertised as being specifically for children ages 6 to 11. The details regarding the child victims of the attack, and the identity of the attacker, have not been disclosed due to their ages.

Police told BBC News that the motive for the attack is “unclear” but they are not treating it as a terror-related incident.

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