Princess Kate has issued a new statement with Prince William after two children were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class in England on Monday that left six others critically injured.
The royal couple sent their "love, thoughts and prayers" to the families of those affected. A 17-year-old male was arrested in connection with the attack, which has sent shockwaves through Britain.
The incident occurred in the town of Southport in northeastern England on Monday morning.
In a statement issued later in the day, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy confirmed that two children had been killed with nine others sustaining injuries, six in a critical condition. Two adults were also critically injured in the attack.
Kate and William issued their response to the news via their official social media channels.
"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," they wrote.
"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."
The couple signed off their statement with the initials "W & C" denoting that it had been personally authored by the pair.
The prince and princess were not the only royals to respond to the shocking attack. King Charles and Queen Camilla also issued a statement through their social media channels.
"My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today," it read.
"We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and 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."
The message was signed "Charles R." The "R" suffix stands for "rex," the Latin word for "king."
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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