Royal fans – and fashion fans – were delighted to see Kate Middleton out at her first public-facing event yesterday since announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment. Princess Kate, as she is increasingly referred to in the popular press to go along with her Princess of Wales title, headed out with Prince William to meet with the bereaved families of the Southport stabbing victims, and then with first responders to that horrific scene.
William’s visit had been long planned, but appearing with Kate at his side was a surprise. However, the nature of the tragedy, involving children and the mental health of survivors and responders, fits into Kate’s intended focus on meaningful work as she moves forward in her recovery.
Kate made clear in her Sept. 9 announcement she had completed chemotherapy – a video of summer images with her husband and children voiced over by the princess – that her focus would be on recovery and family first, then on work that moved her. “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus,” she said in the film. “My path to healing and full recovery is long and I must take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.” She further added that she was beginning “this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”
The Southport stabbings no doubt deeply affected Kate, 42, and a mother of three, who has also recently been referred to by fans as “the children’s princess,” a customized twist on her late mother-in-law’s popular title of people’s princess. The violent attack devastated all of Britain, as the attacker struck a Taylor Swift dance class full of young girls; three lost their lives, another eight, along with two adults, were seriously injured. Kate and William spent time with the victim’s families in private first, then went on to meet the first responders to hear about how they are processing the unbearable trauma of that day.
As the couple met with health and police services from that day, Kate conveyed the feelings of the families. “I can’t underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on that day. On behalf of them, thank you.”
Both Kate and William expressed their concern for the first responders. “For you to witness that, you need to support yourselves,” said Kate. William added some advice it will be hard for their bosses to ignore, coming from the heir to the throne: “Please take your time, don’t rush back to work, do whatever you need to, talk about it, give your superior a hard time if they are not letting you have that time to decompress, because it is so important to have those moments.” As the couple went to leave, Kate turned back to hug the first responders she had just been speaking with, moved as she was by the recounting of their experiences.
The couple were dressed in very fall-forward matching shades of burgundy, which is notable because it is the colour of compassion. Kate looked amazing in a slim-fit Alexander McQueen burgundy trench with a Whistles burgundy polka-dot pussy-bowed dress peeking above the lapels. William – still sporting the scruffy beard – was dressed in a smart casual blazer and pants, with a burgundy sweater to complement his wife. The pair also twinned in brown suede shoes. Royal jewelry- watchers noted that Kate chose to wear her new eternity band from William in place of her famous sapphire engagement ring
This wasn’t a fashion event, sombre and difficult as it was. But that they showed up signalling unity, and compassion, was notable. Kate must no doubt be aware that all eyes are on her as she has been so scarce, and the public has worried about her health. She chose exactly right with this re-wear outfit:, smartly and completely appropriately dressed, glowing beside her husband, perfectly on-season and sending out notes of reassurance and continuity.
The choice of event also shows Kate is going to put her energy into the things that are important to her. She met last month in private with 16-year-old Liz Hatton, who suffers from a rare cancer and is pursuing her photography dreams (a passion shared by Kate). She also privately attended a showing of Giselle by the English National Ballet at Sadler Wells, sending her congratulations to the artists after the fact. Going forward, it is hoped she will attend Remembrance Sunday services, and host her annual Christmas concert.
The Palace has been clear that the Princess of Wales will take a slow and measured return to work. Kate is herself announcing that she intends to put her energy into causes that have personal significance to her, and which further the course of her chosen areas of work. In her selectivity, she also models another great lesson for us all.
