There are stories which resonate across the nation for different reasons. Tragedies that leave an imprint on us, often because it could have happened to us, our loved ones, our friends, or our neighbours. I was a teenager when Madeleine McCann went missing whilst on a family holiday in Portugal. We knew acquaintances who had only recently holidayed at the same Praia da Luz resort. They travelled with their two young daughters and later remarked, "It could have been us." That feeling rippled across the UK following the disappearance of 33-year-old Sarah Everard. After leaving a friend's house to walk home past Clapham Common, Sarah never made it.
There was a collective sigh of sadness when the terrible news came through Sarah's body was discovered during a police search in a wooded area of Ashford, Kent. Devastatingly, a met police officer who was serving with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection unit has been charged with her murder. In a statement, Sarah's heartbroken family paid tribute to their "bright and beautiful" daughter and sister, adding, "She was kind and thoughtful, caring and dependable. She always put others first and had the most amazing sense of humour. She was strong and principled and a shining example to us all. We are very proud of her and she brought so much joy to our lives."
Today, in a moving tribute, the Duchess of Cambridge privately joined mourners at the bandstand on Clapham Common to pay her respects.
According to @Frankie_Mack - Kate visited Clapham Common today to lay flowers at one of the vigil sites for #SarahEverard pic.twitter.com/pWR7uco8ID
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 13, 2021
The Duchess laid daffodils from the garden at KP. Hello! reports a royal source said, "It struck a chord and she wanted to go and lay some flowers in person."
Kensington Palace said Kate "remembered what it was like to walk around London at night before she was married" and "wanted to pay her respects to the family and to Sarah".
The gathering comes after a planned 'Reclaimed the Streets' vigil was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The horrifying tragedy has led to an outpouring from women across the UK sharing their experiences. How many of us take the longer route because it's safer, hold our keys tightly in our hands, cautiously survey those behind us? The unspoken threat looms large. A recent UN survey found 97% of women aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed, while 80% of women all ages have been harassed. It's been moving reading the plethora of supportive messages, not only from women, but from men around the country, too.
The scene surrounding the bandstand.
And as darkness descends, a sea of lights.
What a photo #ReclaimTheseStreets #ClaphamCommon #SarahEverard pic.twitter.com/ETOoDIYghs
— Sophie Malby (@sophie_mzy) March 13, 2021
A fundraiser spearheaded by Reclaim the Streets donating to women's charitable causes has already raised over £350,000. If you would like to donate, please click here.
I know you'll all join me in sending my sincerest condolences to Sarah's loved ones.