Kate Middleton made a surprise return to royal duties on Thursday (October 10), extending a compassionate hand to families affected by the Southport stabbings that occurred in July.

According to People, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the town to "show support for the community" following the brutal attack where three children were killed during a dance class less than three months ago.

Prince William was initially expected to attend the event alone, but Middleton was a much welcomed, surprise addition following her announcement that she had officially completed chemotherapy treatments on September 9th.

A source recently told People that the Princess of Wales would return to a "light schedule of public engagements in the final months of the year," following the attendance of a few events this summer including her favorite, the Wimbledon men's singles final in July. The beloved royal, mother to Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, announced her battle with cancer in March, two months after undergoing abdominal surgery in London.

It was not made clear whether the chemotherapy treatments were successful in dispelling the disease as Middleton prepares for a few upcoming calendar events including her highly-anticipated, annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey in December.

For more information on the Princess of Wales' heath read: Royal Family Member Reveals New Information About Kate Middleton's Health.

Jason Brown