Princess Kate follows in Diana’s footsteps as she becomes patron of children’s hospice

Kate visited a hospice that Diana previously worked with

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.
Kate had her hand painted to make a handprint (Credit: The Royal Family Channel via YouTube)

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.”
Kate visited the hospice on Thursday (Credit: Photo by Richard Pohle/WPA Pool/Shutterstock)

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.

Who is Kate, Princess of Wales?

Kate, Princess of Wales, is married to the current heir to the throne Prince William – King Charles III’s eldest son.

Kate was born on January 9, 1982, making her 43 years old. She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton in Berkshire.

Kate married into the royal family in April 2011.

What did Kate, Princess of Wales do before marrying Prince William?

Before their 2011 wedding, Kate and William had dated for many years after meeting at St Andrews University in Scotland.

After graduating, Kate worked in retail and for her family’s business, Party Pieces.

Tying the knot with Prince William

On April 29, 2011, William and Kate married at Westminster Abbey. It was branded the “wedding of the century” with millions watching the nuptials worldwide.

Kate then became a respected and favourite member within the monarchy as she began performing duties alongside her husband.

The couple have three children – Prince George, born in July 2013, Princess Charlotte, born in May 2015, and Prince Louis, who they welcomed in April 2018.

The family currently live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park just east of Windsor Castle. Their eldest, son George, is currently second in line to the throne behind his grandfather King Charles and dad Prince William.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales – a title previously held by William’s late mother Princess Diana.

When William becomes monarch one day, Kate will become Queen Consort.

Kate’s cancer diagnosis

Kate faced one of her most challenging years in 2024 after her cancer diagnosis. She announced the news publicly in March of that year. She underwent treatment and announced the end of that in September 2024.

Then, in January 2025, the Princess of Wales announced she was in remission with her cancer and would slowly return to her royal duties.

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.