Kate Middleton’s first public engagement after completing chemotherapy treatment included emotional meetings with the families of the children killed in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class over the summer.
On Oct. 10, Princess Kate and Prince William stepped out in Southport, England to show support for the community in the wake of the deadly attack on July 29 in which three children were killed and 10 others, including eight children, were injured. The Prince and Princess of Wales’ poignant visit included private meetings with the families of the three young girls who died, as well as the dance teacher who witnessed the attack.
Prince William and Princess Kate, both 42, spent 30 minutes with each of the young victims’ families, according to Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, followed by a long meeting with some of the first responders who acted that day.
According to The Sun, Phil Garrigan, Merseyside chief fire officer, 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.”
“I think that just shows a really caring side and is very touching for them,” Garrigan added.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation supported the fundraiser established by the National Police and Wellbeing Service for those involved in the immediate response to the Southport stabbings.