Princess Kate pictured on surprise first public engagement since cancer diagnosis

has made a surprise appearance in Southport today, as she joined her husband Prince William to show respect to the bereaved families, the first responders and members of the local community after the horror knife attack.

She looked radiant on the visit, wearing her long brunette locks down and wearing a chocolate brown coat dress, matching heels and handbag.

It marks the Princess of Wales's first public engagement of the year, as she's taken time off due to her health. In January she underwent abdominal surgery and was later .

But last month and was planning a gradual return to royal duties. She has undertaken several meetings and last week invited a teenage girl with an aggressive form of cancer for a private meeting at Windsor Castle.

Today however marks her first public engagement of 2024, as her previous appearances - such as attending Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon - have not been official duties.

Kate was not originally due to visit Southport today but felt well enough and wanted to join her husband to show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community.

They both believe it is important to visit the Merseyside town now to show the community they have not been forgotten and they'll continue to stand by the Southport community today and in the future.

that took place on July 29, as the children attended a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town. Ten others, including eight children, were seriously injured.

Today the royal couple spent 30 minutes with each of the families of victims Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine.

They also spent time with the dance teacher who was present when the attack happened and walked with her to meet with emergency responders who were involved in the attack, at Southport Community Centre.

They heard about their experiences and spoke to mental health practitioners who have been working to deliver long-term support to the blue light community in Southport.

Kate and William visits today coincides with World Mental Health Day. Both royals have long been advocates for mental health, dedicating significant time and resources to support various initiatives aimed at improving mental well-being.

William has been keen to highlight the importance of supporting the mental health of emergency responders.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, The Royal Foundation made a donation to the National Police and Wellbeing Service's fundraiser to help fast-track psychological and physical rehab for police and ambulance personnel who were involved in the attack and the subsequent riots.

They also , which read: "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. 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."

Kate and William's visit to Southport comes after He interrupted his traditional Scottish summer break at Balmoral to speak to those at the centre of the July 29 horror.

Kate's attendance today is another promising indication that she is recovery well.

In the last month, she has also undertaken a number of official meetings which have been listed in the Court Circular focusing on her Early Years work and her Christmas Carol Service.

She is also hoping to join her family on Remembrance Sunday next month.