Prince William and Kate share heartfelt message to Southport stabbing victims 'as parents'

The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent their "love, thoughts and prayers" to the families of two children killed in a "horrid and heinous" stabbing attack at a dance studio.

Prince William and Catherine said "as parents" they couldn't imagine what the families and loved ones of those involved were experiencing.

The message was issued shortly after the incident, shared on social media and signed "W & C".

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King Charles and Queen Camilla also sent their "heartfelt condolences" describing the incident as "utterly horrific".

Two children were stabbed to death, and nine others injured, at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in north-west England just before midday on Monday (9pm AEST), at the beginning of the school holidays.

Six children are in a critical condition in hospital. Two adults, who tried to bravely protect the children during the rampage, are also in a critical condition.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and a knife seized after the attack, police said. The incident was not being treated as terror-related. The motivation remains unclear.

A witness described seeing bloodied children running from a community centre where a dance and yoga event for children aged about six to 11 was taking place in Southport, a seaside town near Liverpool.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla said in a statement: "My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.

"We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest 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 Prince and Princess of Wales, who are on holidays with their three children, said: "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.

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"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.

"W & C."

In June, Prince William took Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, nine, to Swift's London show at Wembley.

They were photographed having a selfie with the popstar backstage at her Eras tour, while Swift also shared a photo from her royal encounter wishing Prince William a happy birthday.

Since then, Prince George and Princess Charlotte have been seen wearing friendship bracelets inspired by the American superstar.

Prince George wore one of the bracelets in his 11th birthday portrait, taken by his mother, while Princess Charlotte had two on during her outing with the Princess of Wales at Wimbledon.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have also been photographed wearing the unlikely accessory.

The Queen's was given to her by a young Swiftie and its beads spelt out "You're a bright star".

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