Flowers and teddies were tenderly placed outside Southport Town Hall – and the King was there to show his own support.
He seemed visibly moved to see the tributes left to the three little girls who lost their lives in the knife attack on 29 July.
Three weeks on, the crowds were grateful to see him.
Pic: PA
Calls of “thank you for coming” and applause followed the monarch as he made his way towards the town hall for a poignant meeting with the brave children who’d survived the attack, along with their families.
Understandably, they wanted to keep the meeting private, but I was told it was a tea party.
Pic: PA
The King meets members of the Southport community. Pic: PA
The palace emphasised how the King wanted to make this a special moment for those who have been through so much.
It makes even more sense when you consider the children involved are a similar age to some of his own grandchildren.
Outside, he met with those who’d gone the extra mile to help in the aftermath, not just of the attack but also the riots that followed.
The King met representatives from Merseyside’s emergency services and local community. Pic: PA
Those who every night protect the soft toys and flowers, others who helped with rebuilding work after the nights of violence.
This was about a community pulling together.
This was recognition from the King for the incredible spontaneous response to the horror, as well as the work of the official authorities.
Pic: PA
He’d waited to visit so it didn’t put any added pressure on the emergency services who have been through enough themselves.
At the local fire station, he gave his personal thanks to all the blue light services, as well as taking time to talk to faith leaders.
It is clear he has been troubled by the unrest that this country has seen in recent weeks – a man who as heir and monarch has only wanted to celebrate Britain’s diversity.
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There is no doubt personal stories he heard will be remembered and fed back to his team as well as any organisations he thinks may be able to help – including the prime minister.
In London on Wednesday, the King will meet the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguilar who died on that day – a head of state showing the country hasn’t forgotten what happened.
