In their first public engagement together since Princess Catherine completed her chemotherapy treatment, the Princess of Wales and Prince William visited Southport in northwest England on Thursday. The royal couple aimed to support the local community still recovering from the devastating knife attack that took place in July, which claimed the lives of three children and left several others, including adults, injured. The attack occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, shaking the town and prompting a wave of solidarity among its residents.
Kensington Palace revealed that the couple’s visit was meant to honor the bravery and dedication of the emergency services who were first on the scene. During their time in Southport, the couple spoke with first responders, listening to their stories about the day of the attack and discussing the toll it has taken on their mental health. They also met with mental health professionals who have been providing essential support to these emergency workers in the aftermath of the tragedy.
This public appearance marked a significant moment for Princess Catherine, as it was her first joint engagement with William since announcing her completion of chemotherapy treatment for cancer. On September 9, she shared the news of her treatment milestone and expressed optimism about her road to recovery. In a heartfelt video message, Catherine described her battle with cancer as a long journey but remained hopeful for a future free of the disease.
Despite being away from the public eye during her treatment, Catherine gradually resumed her royal duties, starting with a meeting focused on early childhood development—a cause she has championed for years. The meeting with the staff of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she founded, signaled her determination to continue her work, even as she recovers from her health battle.
At Thursday’s event, Princess Catherine and Prince William also privately met with the families of the children who lost their lives in the attack. In a deeply emotional moment, they spent time listening to their stories and offering condolences. Afterward, the couple made their way to a community center, where they were warmly received by members of the Southport community. Though running behind schedule after their private meetings, William apologized for their late arrival, as reported by the British Press Association.
The visit took place against a backdrop of unrest in several English towns and cities, as misinformation about the attack spread in the days following the tragedy. The accused, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, faces multiple charges of murder and attempted murder and is expected to appear in court later this month.
For both Catherine and William, this engagement was an important step in supporting a grieving community while marking Catherine’s return to public life after her personal battle with cancer.
