The Princess of Wales has issued a heartfelt message as she marks a poignant week close to two of her royal roles. Today, Kate marked Children's Hospice Week by praising the 'remarkable' role hospices play in helping children and families make every moment count.
Emotional Tribute to Children's Hospices
In her emotional words, the princess highlights how children's hospices can be 'joyful and nurturing environments' and how they can be lifelines for those with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Kate is a royal patron of two children's hospices: East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales. Children's Hospice Week is run by Together for Short Lives, the charity for children's palliative care.
Full Text of the Princess's Letter
In her letter, Kate writes: 'Every childhood deserves to be rich in joy, love, and shared memories. As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, I have been privileged to see first-hand how children's hospices make this possible for babies, children and young people living with serious illness.'
'Children's hospices are joyful and nurturing environments where children can simply be children; to play, explore, express themselves and connect with others. For families, hospices offer a compassionate and restorative space to breathe, be together, and find strength in a community that understands their journey. This expert, holistic care is delivered by dedicated professionals who walk alongside families at every stage, often over many years, throughout a young person's life and, when needed, into death and bereavement.'
'Children's hospices are places that protect connection: between children and their families, between families and their communities, between hospice staff and the people they support, and within each child's own sense of self. When we shine a light on the remarkable, yet often unseen, work the hospices do to help children and their families live as fully as possible, we can break down one of the greatest barriers families often face: the fear that reaching out means giving up hope, or that care only begins at the very end.'
'Even in the most challenging circumstances, when children are surrounded by attuned care, opportunities for expression, and environments that nurture their whole selves, they can experience joy, belonging, and the freedom to be who they are. These extraordinary places remind us that even in the face of serious illness, childhood remains a time of creativity, connection and possibility.'
'This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the countless ways children's hospices make every moment count for the children and families they support, and in recognising the profound, life-changing impact of the culture of care they are working to create.'
Response from Charity CEO
Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, thanked Kate for her message. He said: 'We are incredibly grateful to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales for her continued support of Children's Hospice Week and the work of children's hospices across the UK. Children's Hospice Week is the one week of the year given over to children's hospices and the families who rely on them. Across the UK, children's hospices help families live as fully as possible together, with expert care and support at every stage.'
'As The Princess reflects, that support is there from the moment a family needs it, as they navigate their child's life, death, bereavement and beyond. Helping more people understand this means more families feel able to reach out for care. This care matters more than ever. Together with children's hospices across the UK, we thank The Princess for helping families to make every moment count.'
Garter Day Appearance
Kate's message for Children's Hospice Week comes as earlier today, she watched the Garter Day procession through the grounds of Windsor Castle and gave a beaming smile to husband William. Kate had a front row position for one of the highlights of the royal calendar, the Knights of the Order of the Garter walking through the grounds of Windsor Castle after their annual lunch. Among those in the procession were the King, the Queen, traditionally at the rear of the Knights, while further ahead were the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Royal.
While waiting for the procession to begin from her vantage point of the chapel's Galilee porch entrance, Kate acknowledged the waves from the public with her own, as did the Duchess of Edinburgh. The princess wore a wide-brimmed pale yellow hat by Jane Taylor, matching Patrick McDowell coat dress and earrings by Robinson Pelham. She stood patiently with Sophie chatting to the clergy and a nearby policeman on duty for around 15 minutes before the Garter Knights appeared, their way led by heralds in their colourful tunics. William walked beside Edward and looked over at his wife, who gave him a loving smile in return.
