Princess Kate is showing the nation that her cancer recovery is going well and she is feeling more confident with returning to work.
In her most positive sign that Kate, 42, is recovering well after completing her course of chemotherapy, she undertook her first public engagement this year.
She decided to join Prince William in Southport at the last minute, in order to show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community after the horror knife attack that took place in July.
And Kate’s appearance was reminiscent of any other royal engagement she’s undertaken. It was very much busy as usual as the royal, looked well, composed and keen to pay her respects after such a tragedy.
The Prince and Princess of Wales speak to members of the emergency services (Image: PA)
Kate, 42, is clearly determined to return to some normality and her work is a key part of that.
The princess, who married into the Royal Family over 13 years ago, quickly understood the nature of the role and got stuck into certain charities and issues that she wanted to make a difference with.
Early years, mental health, young people and sport have all been themes that she has thrown her weight behind – and she’s enjoyed every minute.
This is why she’s been quietly working behind the scenes and easing herself back by hosting meetings and keeping an eye on her ongoing projects.
Her attendance at Southport today shows that Kate is very much focused on the future, and returning to work is at the forefront of her mind.
She must of course pace herself and do what feels right. But the British public will be delighted to see their Princess back doing what she does best.
The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William to support the community of Southport in her first public outing since her chemotherapy treatment ended – and royal fans have expressed their delight with her visit.
Royal sources say she decided to join Prince William to show her “support, empathy and compassion to the local community” of Merseyside.
The royal couple held a private meeting with the families of the three girls killed in the summer – Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. The three girls were all fatally stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29 in the north-west seaside town.
Although the Princess of Wales was not officially scheduled to visit Southport today, she felt well enough to attend the engagement with her husband to show her support and compassion to members of the local community.
Royal fans are pleased she is back in action and participating in royal engagements. On social media one fan wrote: “Great to see her out and smiling and looking well, continued love and good health to her and her family.”
Prince William and Princess Kate arriving in Southport (Image: PA)
Another X user, gushed at Kate’s sighting: “It’s great to see Kate out and about again.”
One X user wrote: “Good to see her looking well, thoughts with all the people in that community.”
Arriving to meet members of the community, Kate wore a chocolate ankle-length coat with buttons down the middle and held on to a dark-coloured, matching clutch bag. Underneath her coat, Kate wore an on-trend burgundy and white polka dot dress.
User @ShirleyL60 wrote: “How wonderful to see her back and look radiant as ever.”
Another said: “Yes Catherine. You are back. With a smile on your face, a spring in your step and more bounce in your curls than there’s ever been.”
Royal fans have rushed to social media in delight at Kate’s appearance
The royal couple also joined emergency responders who attended the scene on the day of the attack to hear about their experiences and meet health practitioners. Willam told the personnel, “you’re all heroes” as the couple spoke to fire crews, police officers and paramedics.
On social media platform X, after the visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales issued a touching message to the community. It read: “We continue to stand with everyone in Southport. Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.
“You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. W & C.”
Speaking afterwards, Chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Phil Garrigan said that Kate had been so moved by what she had heard that she went back to give the emergency responders a hug.
He said: “The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been.”
Through their Royal Foundation, William and Kate also made a donation to the National Police Wellbeing Service’s fundraiser to help fast-track psychological and physical rehab for police and ambulance personnel.