King Charles III has visited the northwest England town of Southport to meet with survivors of a horrific knife attack that sparked nationwide protests and a debate about policing and immigration in the United Kingdom. The King met with survivors and families at a private reception and expressed his shock and sympathy for the terrorized community.
The 75-year-old Monarch, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, was greeted by crowds who had waited hours for his arrival. Lines of people cheered, waved the British flag, and sang the UK’s national anthem, God Save the King. Charles also visited a makeshift memorial for the victims and read cards on flowers left there as tributes. He shook hands and talked with locals – some of whom broke down and cried.
Southport resident Linsey Hislop spoke to the King and asked him about his health. “I’m not too bad,” he replied. Other local residents told reporters that they were delighted by the Monarch’s visit, saying it signifies that he cares about the tragedy that occurred there. “I think it’ll mean a lot to the town,” one woman stated.
The shocking killings occurred on July 29 when 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana walked into a children’s Taylor Swift dance class with a knife and stabbed more than a dozen people – killing three young girls. In the aftermath, enraged Brits took to the streets, and riots erupted nationwide. Protestors accuse the police and government of prioritizing immigrants and non-white citizens and doing nothing to prevent waves of violent crime that have afflicted the country in recent years.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the protestors as “far right thugs” and opened the country’s courts 24 hours a day to hand down severe sentences. People were jailed, often for years, for participating in the demonstrations, including those who were not involved in violence.
US singing superstar Taylor Swift, who is in the UK for a series of concerts, invited survivors and bereaved families to one of her shows and greeted them backstage. A survivor’s mother later tweeted to thank Swift for her kindness and said she had given them a magical night.
