King Charles's "delay" in visiting Southport to speak to those affected by the attack in July was down to "security concerns", it has been claimed.
The monarch arrived in the Merseyside town today to pay his respects to the three young girls tragically killed at a local dance class in July.
King Charles also gave thanks to emergency workers and local community groups, following a spate of riots across the town and the UK in the aftermath of the incident.
Detailing the visit from the monarch, GB News Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker claimed that he had "always wanted" to come to Southport, but was restricted by security concerns.
The King visited Southport today to pay tribute to those affected by the attack at a local dance class
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Cameron told GB News: "From my understanding, he always wanted to come. He's been given daily updates of the situation here in Southport and indeed the riots across the country.
"But of course, the King coming here, it takes a lot of police security and it takes a lot of organisation."
Noting the demand for emergency services in Southport in recent weeks with the rioting across the UK, Cameron added that the King "didn't want to add an extra burden onto the police" if they are "clearly dealing with the aftermath of such a horrific attack and the subsequent riots".
As host Patrick Christys pressed Cameron on why it took the King "three weeks" to visit Southport, he stressed that now tensions have "died down", the monarch has decided now is the "right time" to pay his respects publicly.
King Charles met with some of the parents of the victims of the attack in July
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Cameron said: "Now everything has died down a bit, the King has decided now is the moment to come to Southport.
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"Of course, he's interrupted his own holiday to come here, perhaps giving you an indication of just how seriously he is taking this, and he really thinks it is important to spend time with the local community."
Speaking to a royal supporter in Southport, Cameron asked the local resident how important the King's visit would be for the community, in light of recent events.
The royal fan told GB News: "It was quite special and it lovely to see him here.
"It's so tragic in the circumstances that brought him here, but I'm sure the family will take comfort from it.
The monarch also met with representatives from Merseyside's emergency services and local community groups
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"It's very special that he's here. Very special indeed for the community as well. The community have come together in all of these tragic circumstances."
In a statement, the King said that he hoped "mutual respect and understanding" would continue to "unite the nation".
The message, penned by the King and Queen Camilla, also said they were "profoundly shocked" by the knife attack last month.
Following his visit to the town, Charles will also meet the bereaved families in London on Wednesday.
