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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read more:
Yoga teacher injured readmitted to hospital
Six-year-old victim’s sister saw attack and escaped
Funeral held for Southport victim

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

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.

Related posts:

Full list of BRIT Award nominees New confirmed sighting of missing London student as police search forest in Essex New image released of murdered PCSO Julia James Men have more advantages than women in ageing societies, study shows Sperm, eggs and embryo freezing limit to increase to 55 years PM admits frustration at failure to reach climate change goals at COP26 summit LGBTQ+ on screen: We’ve come a long way but there’s more work to do Chancellor urged to freeze fuel duty after OBR warns petrol could rise by 12p a litre Scotland’s gender recognition bill exposes division in Scottish parliament Lucy Letby ‘completely out of control’ after holiday, court hears Seven charged with variety of offences following Saturday’s London demonstrations Hundreds attend anniversary vigil of ‘amazing, unique and joyous’ Brianna Ghey