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Kate Middleton is reaching out to the families from the horrific knife attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The Princess of Wales has invited the families and survivors from the town of Southport to her Christmas carol service on Friday, Dec. 6.
Three children were killed in a July 29 mass stabbing at the yoga and dance class. The deadly attack also saw 10 others, including eight children, injured. The Princess’s office at Kensington Palace has confirmed that families from the town have been invited to the concert at Westminster Abbey, on Dec. 6. The Sun was the first to report the story.
Kate, who is recovering from her treatment for cancer, and Prince William, both 42, met the families of the three young girls who died, and others who were caught up in the tragedy — including the dance teacher who witnessed the horror — when they made a surprise visit to Southport in October. They also spent time with some of the emergency services who rushed to the scene on that summer day.
The Princess’s trip to Southport was part of her gradual re-immersing in to royal duties since she announced on Sept. 9 that her chemotherapy treatment had ended.
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The annual Christmas carol service has become something of a fixture in the royal calendar and December 6 will be the fourth time Princess Kate has hosted one. When it was announced, Kensington Palace said of the theme of the Together at Christmas service: “This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need —individuals who have inspired, counseled, comforted and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.”
“This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story, which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.”
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The service — which is usually attended by William and Kate’s three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, as well as other members of the royal family — will be filmed and broadcast by ITV1 and ITVx on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Like other years, Kate has invited around 1,600 guests from around the U.K. who have worked for their communities and helped others in need. “This year’s service provides a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives. The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the U.K. who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities,” Kate’s office added in their statement.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales issued a statement of sympathy after the Southport stabbings in July, which referenced their perspective as a fellow mom and dad.
“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. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack,” said the message on July 29.