The Princess of Wales made a surprise visit to Evelina London Children's Hospital on Monday, July 6, 2026, to learn about the hospital's efforts to combine specialist expertise with family-centred support for children and their families. Catherine, who has served as the charity's patron since 2018, met several young patients, including those receiving cancer treatment, during her tour.
Visit to Edward Ward and Galaxy Ward
Dressed in a classically elegant white dress with a black belt, Catherine first visited the Edward ward, a new children's cardiac ward within the North Wing at St Thomas' Hospital. This ward brings together world-leading children's heart, lung, and intensive care specialists on a single site. She then proceeded to the Galaxy ward, a brand-new outpatient unit within the Children's Day Treatment Centre, which opened in May 2026.
Expansion Plans and Fundraising
Evelina London is currently expanding its services to allow more children and young people to lead healthier lives. Catherine heard about plans for a new hospital building, expected to open in the early 2030s, next to the existing site in Westminster. The new site will provide additional scanners, beds, and theatres alongside state-of-the-art technology. Evelina London Children's Charity is fundraising more than £100 million towards the project.
The Princess was also told how teams from Evelina London, The Royal Marsden, St George's, and University College London Hospital have been working together to plan for a safe transfer of services.
Catherine's Previous Visits and Anniversary Message
Catherine has visited the charity numerous times, with her last visit being in December 2023, when she opened the Children's Day Surgery Unit. Last year, she celebrated the charity's 20th anniversary with a heartfelt message. She wrote: “As Patron of Evelina, I'm delighted to join everyone at Evelina London Children's Hospital in celebrating the 20th anniversary of its iconic hospital building. Over the past two decades, this extraordinary space has enabled Evelina London to care for nearly three times as many children and young people as when it first opened. It is a place that symbolises love, healing and hope and has had such an impact on countless lives.”
She continued: “As I know from my visits, the building's bright, welcoming spaces and wonderful light-filled atrium ensure children feel safe, supported and nurtured as they face whatever challenges lie ahead. What makes this building so special is the remarkable staff, whose compassion and expertise shine through in every corner of the hospital, and create an environment where families feel cared for and uplifted. Looking ahead, I am filled with hope for Evelina's future. As it continues to grow, even more children will benefit from the world-class care that defines Evelina, a place where healing begins with connection, and every child is cherished.”
