Kate Middleton Makes Surprise Public Appearance Alongside Prince William in First Outing Post-Chemo

The Princess of Wales made a heartfelt return to public duties as she met with the families of the young victims of the July stabbing attack in Southport

Prince William and Kate Middleton walk during a visit to Southport Community Centre in Southport, north west England on October 10, 2024, where they met rescue workers and the families of those caught up in the Southport knife attack earlier this year. . Photo: DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out for an unannounced visit to Southport, where three children were killed in a July 29 mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class.

On Oct. 10, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, visited the town in England to show support for the community in the wake of the deadly attack. Although unannounced, William was expected to attend, and Kate decided to join him. The unexpected outing doubled as Princess Kate’s first public engagement since she announced on Sept. 9 that she completed chemotherapy treatment, six months after she shared in March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Prince William and Princess Kate met with fire, ambulance, air ambulance and police services at the Southport Community Centre, and heard about the experience of responding to the tragic attack and how it impacted their mental health. Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, and the royals also spent time with mental health professionals who have been providing support to first responders in the months since.

Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive for a visit to Southport Community Centre in Southport, north west England on October 10, 2024, where they met rescue workers and the families of those caught up in the Southport knife attack earlier this year.DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

Kate Middleton Smiles in New Picture Quietly Added to Her Instagram Page with Prince William

The Prince and Princess of Wales also privately met with the families of the three children who died on July 29 and the dance teacher who was there when the attack happened. Ten other people were also injured in the mass stabbing, and a 17-year-old boy has since been charged with the murder of the three girls.

PEOPLE understands that Prince William and Princess Kate wanted to visit Southport to show the community they have not been forgotten and that they’ll continue to stand by them.

Kate Middleton on Oct. 10, 2024.DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

The Princess of Wales joined her husband in order to show support and empathy to the community and the victims’ families. The Prince and Princess of Wales, who share three children, issued a statement of sympathy at the time of the stabbings which referenced their perspective as parents.

Kate Middleton and Prince William speak to members of the emergency services during a visit to Southport Community Centre in Southport, north west England on October 10, 2024.DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

“As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through,” it began.

Kate Middleton and Prince William in Southport on Oct. 10, 2024. Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

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After the July 29 tragedy, the National Police and Wellbeing Service created a fundraiser for those involved in the immediate response, which was supported by Prince William and Princess Kate’s charitable Royal Foundation.

Kate Middleton and Prince William in Southport on Oct. 10, 2024.DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince William is a retired Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot and previously served with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and the mental health of emergency responders is a cause close to his heart.

Kate Middleton visits Southport on Oct. 10, 2024.DANNY LAWSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

It was significant to see Princess Kate in Southport on Oct. 10, and the princess may undertake a schedule of light engagements for the rest of the year. Meetings around her work in the early years sector and her traditional Christmas carol concert have been listed in the Court Circular, and it’s thought that she hopes to attend Remembrance Sunday services with her family on Nov. 10.

The Princess of Wales was most recently seen at a Windsor Castle meeting on Oct. 2, where she met a 16-year-old photographer navigating a rare and aggressive form of cancer who Prince William invited to photograph the investiture ceremonies he held earlier that day.

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Southport on Oct. 10, 2024.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Prince William and Princess Kate’s visit to Southport follows King Charles’ poignant trip there on Aug. 20, where he met some of the families affected by the tragedy and other local groups and faith leaders impacted by the violence.

Palace sources confirmed to PEOPLE that the King planned to met privately with the victims’ families in London on Aug. 21.