'Sadness written all over her face': Why Catherine chose Southport to make her public return

The Princess of Wales has made an emotional return to public duties, joining Prince William for a visit to Southport, the scene of a horrific stabbing in July where three young Taylor Swift fans were killed during a Swiftie-themed dance class.

Her attendance was confirmed at the last minute. Catherine, 42 announced she had completed chemotherapy treatment earlier this year and would be returning to her official duties slowly.

"Obviously she was feeling well enough to make this trip," Nine's Europe correspondent Jess Millward told Today, adding that it was an emotional visit for the royal.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales met with the families of young victims Bebe, six, Elsie, seven, and Alice, nine, behind closed doors.

"Before they then met with emergency workers who attended on that day," Millward explained.

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"They spoke to them about how they're coping, how their mental health is holding up after such an awful, awful time," she said.

Millward reported that the Princess of Wales looked "well, but the sadness from the story she was hearing was written all over her face."

Royal followers can expect to see the royal next in November on Remembrance Day, but "possibly even sooner."

Millward said Catherine choosing this occasion to be her first public engagement is "significant."

She added that we can expect Catherine's appearances to be announced at the last minute as she continues her recovery.

"So the fact this was announced so last minute by Kensington Palace indicates that that is how they're going to play her engagements from here on in," Millward said.

She cited royal reporter Cameron Walker who says Kensington Palace wants to avoid "committing her to something and then having to pull out because she's having a bad day with her health."

"So certainly good news, she looks well and a wonderful cause up there in Southport," Millward said.

Following the visit, the couple shared a personal message on X.

"We continue to stand with everyone in Southport," the tweet said.

"Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.

"You will remain in our thoughts and prayers."

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