Princess Kate made a solo visit to Tŷ Hafan, a children’s hospice in South Wales, on Thursday where she met with children living with life-shortening conditions and their families.
Her visit marks a special moment in her role as the new patron of the hospice, following in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana – who was the hospice’s patron during its fundraising phase.
Princess Kate follows in Princess Diana’s footsteps to become patron of children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan
Tŷ Hafan is located in the village of Sully near Cardiff. The hospice has been providing support to children with life-shortening conditions since it opened in 1999.
Princess Diana was a key figure in supporting the hospice in its early years, and King Charles succeeded her as patron in 2001.
Now, Princess Kate has stepped into this role, further strengthening the royal family’s connection with the vital work done at Tŷ Hafan.
We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales has become patron of Tŷ Hafan.
Irfon Rees, the chief executive of Tŷ Hafan, expressed the hospice’s deep gratitude for Kate’s involvement.
“We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales has become patron of Tŷ Hafan,” he said. “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our hospice for the first time today.
“As our patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and everyone who so generously supports us.”
Irfon also touched on the heart-wrenching reality faced by many of the families at the hospice: “No parent ever imagines that their child’s life will be short. Sadly, this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can’t stop this from happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child’s short life alone.”
Princess of Wales enjoys sweet moments with children at hospice
During her visit, Kate took the time to engage with the children.
One young girl she met was three-year-old Dani-Rae, who has spinal muscular atrophy. Kate crouched down to speak with Dani-Rae, who was dressed in a pink outfit and seated in a matching wheelchair.
“What do you like doing when you’re here? Do you like music? Have you tried any of the instruments?” Kate asked.
In addition to meeting the children, Kate spent time talking with their parents and emphasised the importance of the hospice’s role in their lives.
“I know what a lifeline it is and makes a difference,” she told one family, reaffirming the crucial support Tŷ Hafan provides.
As part of her visit, Kate was invited to make a handprint. Her print will be displayed alongside others, including one by King Charles from his visit in 2018.
The Princess of Wales was joined by four-year-old Maggie and her 12-year-old brother as she painted her hand.
“Is this ticklish? My kiddies would love this if I went and did this back at home today,” Kate asked, referring to her own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Kensington Palace makes touching donation to Tŷ Hafan
Later, it was Kate’s turn to have her hand painted by 10-year-old Lottie.
But Kate’s thoughtful gesture didn’t stop there. Kensington Palace also arranged for a donation of musical instruments to be provided to Tŷ Hafan to aid in future music therapy sessions.
The visit to Tŷ Hafan was the second unannounced trip Kate made this week. These recent outings mark her return to royal duties after her recent cancer remission.
Just a few days earlier, she and Prince William attended an event in central London to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.
Read more: Prince William reveals he and wife Princess Kate are talking to son Prince George about Holocaust
What do you think of Kate’s new role? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial and let us know!