Princess Kate and Prince William have made their first public appearance together since Kate announced she was finishing her chemotherapy treatment in September. The outing was in support of the Southport community following the tragic knife attack that took place in the area over the summer.

Kensington Palace said in a statement that the Prince and Princess of Wales wanted to show their support to locals and see how Southport residents have “come together as the city recovers.” The Merseyside area was rocked after a mass stabbing occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29. Three children were killed and 10 others injured in the attack that has reverberated across the nation.

During the visit, William and Kate met the fire department, ambulance, air ambulance and police at the Southport Community Center. The Prince and Princess of Wales heard about the experiences of people responding to the attack and the impact it had on their mental health. They also met with mental health professionals who have been working to provide long-term support to the Blue Light community following the attack.

In Southport, Kate and William also met privately with the families of the three children who lost their lives and with a dance teacher who was present at the attack.

“Following the incident, the National Police and Health Service held a fundraising event to help those involved in the immediate response. It was supported by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Blue Light Card Foundation, which made donations to accelerate the psychological and physical rehabilitation of police and ambulance personnel involved in the attack and the riots that followed,” the said Palace.

Per Sky News, Kate reportedly told emergency responders: “I cannot underestimate how grateful (the community) is for the support you provided that day.

“On her behalf, thank you very much. You are all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourself, please take your time and don’t rush back to work.”

The royals coordinated autumnal looks for the outing, with Kate opting for a chocolate brown coat and a burgundy polka dot pussy-bow dress. William wore a gray suit and burgundy sweater over a crisp white shirt and maroon tie.

Kate confirmed she completed her cancer treatment earlier this year and is slowly returning to her royal duties.

Earlier this month she was pictured hugging photographer and cancer patient Liz Hatton.

However, the visit to Southport is Kate’s first community visit since the end of last year, meeting people from the public with her husband.