We all helped each other get through and grief sadness

What pupils told royals about tragedy of losing three friends

- HOLLIE BONE

IN a town still struggling to emerge from the darkness of a triple child murder, the Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday shone a beacon of hope with a visit to victims' schools.

The royal couple spoke to pupils who were classmates of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar before their young lives were ended by knifeman Axel Rudakubana in July last year.

They visited a memorial playground built with funds raised in part with a donation from William and Kate, praised artwork done by traumatised pupils in the wake of the Southport stabbings and listened to the stories of the youngsters affected by it.

The play area was opened at the Merseyside town's Churchtown Primary School, which Alice and Bebe attended.

William, 43, told children, staff and parents: "The tragic events that unfolded in this town last year still remain difficult to comprehend.

"This playground is a symbol of how the community have come together to create such a positive place for the pupils of this school.

"A symbol of remembrance and resilience, a testament that love will always overcome tragedy.

"Many lives were changed on that terrible day, including countless members of this school community.

"Bebe, Alice and Elsie's friends and classmates have come together to support each other and remember the girls in their own way.

"To everyone impacted on that day you will never be forgotten.

"Enjoy this playground. Be brave, be joyful and be kind." It was the Prince and Princess' second visit to town after they arrived last October and thanked emergency workers who responded to the attack.