Kate Middleton Surprises With William at First Event Post-Chemo: Pics

Princess Kate Middleton is upping her public-facing duties after completing chemotherapy last month.

In her first public-facing event since announcing the end of her treatment, Kate, 42, stepped out on Thursday, October 10, alongside husband Prince William for a trip to Southport Community Centre. The couple seemed to celebrate the changing of the seasons in England when opting for their matching outfit choices. Kate and William proved they are the ever-relatable royals with repeat looks.

Kate stunned in an oxblood Alexander McQueen trenchcoat over a burgundy and white polka dotted pussy bow Whistles Margo dress. (Try to say that five times fast.) She accessorized with her favorite pair of affordable gold leaf earrings from London label Zoraida. Kate has been spotted with this particular jewelry multiple times since 2020. Eagle-eyed fans also noticed that Kate was wearing her eternity ring from William in favor of her engagement ring. The Princess of Wales also held an Emmy London Natasha clutch.

William, 42, looked dapper in slacks and a dark blazer, which was thrown over a burgundy sweater for the outing. He was still sporting scruffy facial hair, which has been making headlines in recent months. Both royal family members went for brown suede shoes to complete their look. (Their burgundy outfits seem to be symbolic as the color is said to represent compassion, understanding, and empathy.)

The pair were all smiles as they arrived at the Southport Community Centre. The outing took on a more somber tone as they spoke with members of the fire, ambulance, air ambulance and police services who responded to the knife attack that took place in Southport earlier this year. The Prince and Princess of Wales spoke with the first responders about how the tragedy impacted their mental health.

Three young girls — Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6 — died during a stabbing that took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July. Two adults and nine children were also injured during the incident. A 17-year-old boy was subsequently arrested and charged with the murders.

The royal family has been supportive of the Southport community following the tragedy. King Charles III privately hosted the families of the late children at Clarence House in August. (Buckingham Palace confirmed that William and Kate met with the families as well.)

William and Kate, along with the Blue Light Card Foundation, set up the National Police and Wellbeing Service in the wake of the stabbing. The service receives donations to help lessen the burden of psychological and physical rehab for those involved in the attack.

“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. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack,” William and Kate said in a July statement. “Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.”