Princess of Wales issues heartfelt statement as she marks poignant week close to royal role
Today, the Princess of Wales sent a new message in support of Childrenâs Hospice Week – praising the âremarkableâ role they play in helping children and families
The Princess of Wales today(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
The Princess of Wales has issued a heartfelt message as she marks a poignant week close to two of her royal roles.
The Princess of Wales at TĆ· Hafan childrenâs hospice in Wales last year(Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
In her letter, Kate writes: âEvery childhood deserves to be rich in joy, love, and shared memories. As Patron of East Angliaâs Childrenâs Hospices and TĆ· Hafan Childrenâs Hospice, I have been privileged to see firstâhand how childrenâs hospices make this possible for babies, children and young people living with serious illness.
âChildrenâs hospices are joyful and nurturing environments where children can simply be children; to play, explore, express themselves and connect with others.
âFor 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 personâs life and, when needed, into death and bereavement.
âChildrenâs 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 childâs own sense of self.
Kate is a royal patron of two childrenâs hospices(Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
âWhen 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.
âEven 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.
âThese extraordinary places remind us that even in the face of serious illness, childhood remains a time of creativity, connection and possibility.
âThis Childrenâs Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the countless ways childrenâs 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.â
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Kate during a visit to The Nook in Framlingham Earl, Norfolk, which is one of the three East Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH)(Image: PA)
Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, thanked Kate for her message. He said: âWe are incredibly grateful to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales for her continued support of Childrenâs Hospice Week and the work of childrenâs hospices across the UK.
âChildrenâs Hospice Week is the one week of the year given over to childrenâs hospices and the families who rely on them. Across the UK, childrenâs hospices help families live as fully as possible together, with expert care and support at every stage.
âAs 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.
âThis care matters more than ever. Together with childrenâs hospices across the UK, we thank The Princess for helping families to make every moment count.â
Kate’s letter in full
Kateâs message for Childrenâs Hospice Week comes as earlier today, she watched the Garter Day procession through the grounds of Windsor Castle â 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 chapelâs 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.
