Newly surfaced photos show Prince William and Princess Kate embracing Leanne Lucas, the yoga teacher who risked her life to protect children during last year’s Southport attack.
Lucas shared the touching images in a “2024 memories” Facebook reel, revealing a private moment from the royals’ visit last October.
The never-before-seen photos capture The Prince and Princess of Wales hugging the 36-year-old survivor, who suffered serious stab wounds during the horrifying incident.
On July 29, Lucas was leading a Swift-themed dance class when 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana stormed in and carried out a brutal knife attack. Three young girls — Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 — were tragically killed, while eight other children and two adults, including Lucas, were injured.
Rudakubana was sentenced to 13 life terms and must serve at least 52 years behind bars. An inquiry is now underway to determine whether authorities missed warning signs before the tragedy.
William and Kate’s visit to Southport was largely kept private, with the couple spending 90 minutes meeting victims and their families.
The engagement was particularly significant as it marked Kate’s first official daytime outing after completing preventative chemotherapy. At the time, a source noted that she wanted to “show her support, empathy, and compassion” for the grieving community.
