Prince William and Princess Kate brought joy and excitement to Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School this week, visiting pupils who had only been told 10 minutes beforehand that VIP guests were arriving.
The children, eager to look their best for photographs, were met with the warm presence of the royal couple, who took time to engage with staff, pupils, and families.
Head of the Infants School, Jennie Sephton, described the visit as deeply meaningful.
“It’s made such a big difference. From the beginning, it was important to Jenni and David that the children understood the recognition of what staff have done supporting the family and supporting the children going forward.
It’s just real recognition that they value Jenni and David, but they have also listened. It’s just so special,” she said.
Junior School headteacher Adrian Antell echoed her sentiments, thanking the royals for acknowledging the efforts of the community.
“I would like to thank the royal couple for coming today, for visiting our school and Farnborough Road, and for recognising what we have done.
They spoke so wonderfully about what this community has achieved together and thanked everyone for their contributions. That recognition means so much.”
Both schools have benefited from additional local authority funding to provide play therapy, counselling, and trauma informed staff training.
Generous donations, including a new therapeutic garden created by the Southport Flower Show, have also helped the school community rebuild.
“We knew it wasn’t something that would be solved in a year. Both children and staff need ongoing support,” Jennie Sephton added.
During the visit, Prince William recommended Child Bereavement UK, an organisation he is patron of, whose northern lead, Sophie Cartwright, is coincidentally a former pupil of Farnborough Primary.
Jennie expressed her amazement at the connection, saying, “We just couldn’t believe it. It felt like fate someone there to support you at a time when you’re struggling.”