Princess Kate Responds to Sydney Stabbing Attack

The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a joint statement expressing their shock and offering sympathy after six people were killed and eight injured during a stabbing rampage at a shopping mall near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

The attacker, a 40-year-old man who was “known to police,” was shot dead at the scene by a police officer. At a press conference, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said there is “no ongoing risk” and that authorities do not believe the incident was terror-related.

In a post on their official ‘Kensington Royal’ X account, Prince William and Princess Kate said: “We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today. Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others. W & C.”

Australia is one of 15 Commonwealth realms, meaning it shares the same monarch, King Charles, as the United Kingdom, with Prince William next in line for this role.

King Charles and Queen Camilla also released a statement condemning what they described as a “senseless attack.”

The king said: “My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.

“While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”

During the press conference, Webb confirmed that four women and one man died at the scene. Citing police sources, The Guardian reports another woman, who was stabbed along with her nine-month baby, later died in hospital. The baby is understood to be undergoing surgery.

Referring to the assailant, who has not been named, she added: “If it is the person we believe it is, we don’t have fear for that person holding an ideation. In other words, that it’s not a terrorism incident.”

Anthony Cooke, assistant commissioner of New South Wales Police, said a female officer had fired three shots after confronting the attacker resulting in his death.

He said: “He turned, faced her, raised a knife. She discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the officer, commenting: “There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action.”

He added: “This was a horrific act of violence indiscriminately targeted at the innocent people going about an ordinary Saturday, doing their shopping.”

The Princess of Wales revealed she is being treated for cancer in a video released by Kensington Palace on March 22.

She said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

Prior to the announcement, the princess’s disappearance from public view sparked widespread speculation about her whereabouts. A poll conducted exclusively for Newsweek found 59 percent of U.S. adults believe public figures and famous names who made jokes about the issue should now apologize.

In February, King Charles announced he was receiving treatment for “a form of cancer” and would take time off from “public-facing duties.”