Alongside Prince William, Kate, 42, met with the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

The royal duo also met with the dance teacher, Leanne Lucas, 35, who bravely protected the kids from the attacker at the Taylor Swift-themed class.

During the touching visit, which was held in private, Kate donned a classy brown designer coat eagle-eyed royal fans will recognise from back in 2022.

She wore the chic Alexander McQueen coat, which retails for a whopping £2,990, as she wrapped up warm during a visit to Boston Harbour.

During to 2022 visit, Kate braved the elements as she bundled up, pairing the designer coat with a matching brown scarf and gloves.

This time, the royal wore the timeless coat with what looks to be a polka-dot dress from brand Whistles, which she has also been spotted in before, back in 2018.

Unlike the late Queen Elizabeth, who famously wore bright colours to public engagements, Kate’s look was much more subtle, perhaps reflecting the sombre reason behind the visit.

The neutral tones of the coat are also bang on trend right now, with many designer and high street shops selling brown coats, scarfs, tops and dresses this season.

Prince William subtle matched Kate’s look too, wearing a burgundy jumper over his white shirt, as well as a matching tie, similar to Kate’s polka-dot dress.

During the visit, their royal highnesses also met with the fire, ambulance, air ambulance and police services at the Southport Community Centre.

The Prince and Princess then greeted mental health practitioners who have been working to deliver long term support to the blue light community.

In a personal statement shared after the attack, Kate said: “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.”

The engagement is the first for Kate since completing treating for cancer last month – with the last time they took up duties together the Princess’ carol concert last December.

The Sun understands the Prince of Wales was initially supposed to attend the visit alone – but his wife was very keen to join him.

The Princess announced she had finished her chemotherapy course in a heartfelt video on September 9.

Kate said she was entering “this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life”.