The Princess of Wales stepped out on Thursday for her first public appearance since completing her chemotherapy.
Kate Middleton surprised royal watchers when she joined Prince William to meet the families of the young victims killed in the July stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England.
The private meeting with bereaved loved ones in the seaside town’s community center marked the couple’s first joint venture since Kate announced she had completed her chemo on Sept. 9.
In March, the 42-year-old mother of three revealed that she was undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.
According to royal sources, the princess decided to attend the event to show her “support, empathy and compassion to the local community” following the July 29 mass stabbing that claimed the lives of three young girls.
Ten other people — including eight children — were wounded in the attack.
18-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana has since been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder following his arrest.
The royal couple also spoke with members of the local police and other emergency services who were present during the tragedy. Prince William referred to them as “heroes,” while the princess gave hugs to some who were clearly still reeling from what they had seen, reported the BBC.
“She could see the emotion in them,” Merseyside Fire Chief Phil Garrigan told the outlet.
