Prince and Princess of Wales were honoured to learn about fundraising in Elsie’s memory.
In a heartfelt moment during their visit to Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School, the Prince and Princess of Wales spent around 20 minutes in a private, emotional meeting with Jenni and David Stancombe, parents of little girl Elsie, who tragically lost her life in the July 2024 attack.
The Stancombes shared stories about Elsie and introduced the royal couple to teachers and teaching assistants who had known and supported her.
Princess Kate was presented with a posy of pink and white flowers, created by the same florist who had designed the school’s commemorative wreath for Elsie, complete with a delicate silver fabric butterfly.
Headteacher Jennie Sephton shared a touching moment with Princess Kate, explaining, “I was able to say to the Princess before she left that there’s a butterfly in there and that Elsie was part of the day as well.”
The floral tribute to Elsie, complete with a silver butterfly, had clearly struck a chord.
The royal couple also learned about the daring fundraising challenge undertaken by the school’s staff.
Both Jennie and Junior School headteacher Adrian Antell had signed up for a skydive to support Elsie’s Story, the charity set up in memory of the little girl.
William, ever the curious and playful royal, quipped, “You went skydiving?! Oh no! First time for both of you, I take it?” He recounted his own airborne adventures, joking, “I've parachuted, I've not skydived.
I've parachuted into the sea. Would you do it again?” Jennie revealed she had already taken the plunge, prompting laughter from the Duke, “I could see your eyes there, you’re looking like, Oh I quite liked the adrenaline rush.”
The schoolchildren had previously paid £5 to break 15 rules in school, with a promise from the headteachers to jump from 15,000ft if the £15,000 fundraising target for Elsie’s Story was reached.