Duchess Kate returns to work with visit to service members who supported U.K. withdrawal from Afghanistan

By Heather Cichowski

Duchess Kate returned to work as she stepped out to RAF Brize Norton on Sept. 15.

The in-person royal engagement was very poignant for the Duchess of Cambridge, as she was there to thank service members and volunteers for their efforts in helping to evacuate 15,000 people from Kabul airport as part of Operation Pitting in Afghanistan.

More than 850 evacuees arrived at the RAF base in Oxfordshire. Once there, they received essentials and medical assistance.

Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from Kate's first autumn engagement!

Photos: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images and Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Kate charmed in a neutral outfit for the royal engagement. Her look featured a new beige blazer from Reiss, a cream top and wide-leg navy trousers with a matching belt.

The pants appeared to be the Jigsaw trousers from her wardrobe.

The neutral and navy ensemble was perfect for the new season!

At the outing, Kate also debuted a new handbag! She toted theMini Holly in Taupe Atlantic from British brand Tusting. It was such an elegant 1950s-inspired design.

Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge met with RAF aircrews and medics who supported evacuees, as well as volunteers who established a repatriation centre at RAF Brize Norton.

Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The mom of three was all smiles as she chatted with the group outside on what was simply a gorgeous late summer day!

Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Kate heard about the incredible efforts before she stepped into a C17 transporter plane.

Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The C17 transporter planes were used to evacuate civilians from Afghanistan. It was a colossal operation.

Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

It must have been incredible to hear about everyone's experiences during the visit.

Operation Pitting was the largest humanitarian aid operation for over 70 years. It ran from Aug. 14 to 28.

Photo: © Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The mom of three looked delighted to be chatting with everyone.

Photo: © Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images