Kate Middleton Steps Out for Surprise Royal Appearance—and Twins with Husband Prince William

The royal outing was unannounced, but significant given it’s the first time Kate has stepped out publicly since sharing a video update in early September that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and was getting ready to return to royal work as she could. (She made it clear in her announcement that her “path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”)

The weeks since have shown a slow—and behind-the-scenes—effort by the Princess of Wales to resume her participation with the causes she holds near and dear such as meetings for her Early Years initiative, but also her “Together at Christmas” concert, held annually in December.

Still, that’s why today was such a surprise. Alongside William—who had been scheduled to appear—the pair met with emergency services at the Southport Community Centre to better understand their experience responding to the tragic attack. According to People, the pair also met privately with the families of the children who were killed on July 29. (This engagement coincides with World Mental Health Day, honored every year on October 10.)

More than anything, it was a comforting and familiar scene to see the Prince and Princess of Wales tag-team a royal engagement once again. Add to that the fact that they were dressed to impress—and match—with William wearing a burgundy sweater and tie while Kate donned a polka dot dress of the same hue.

Here’s to Kate making a slow and steady return to official duties.