The Duchess of Cambridge is returning to royal duties by meeting with servicemen and women who helped in the evacuation of 15,000 people from Afghanistan last month.

Kate Middleton is heading to RAF Brize Norton and set to step back out in public to thank them. After the long summer break from public duties, it was the first time Kate has been seen in public. Last time, she has attended the Wimbledon tennis championships final with Prince William. Kate and William with their children headed to the southeast of France to celebrate her brother’s wedding.

Kate spent a long time with those who took part in the mammoth humanitarian effort in Kabul. She talked with some of them about the largest humanitarian aid operation performed by the Royal Air Force in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover. Brize Norton became one of the main hubs for entry to the U.K. and more than 15,000 people jetted out of Kabul airport recently.

Kate thanked the RAF aircrew and medics. They have supported the civilians and volunteers who established a Repatriation Centre at the base. They were providing key supplies such as food, clothing, children’s toys, medical support, and childcare and sanitary products to the people.

Kate and William are now much freer to conduct public duties. They have a series of outings planned for the coming days.