Kate Middleton follows in Princess Dianaâs footsteps by becoming royal patron for TÅ· Hafan, as she pays a visit to the hospice in South Wales
The late Princess of Wales was TÅ· Hafanâ??s first patron until her death in 1999; now, Catherine will be taking up the mantle
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales visits Ty Hafan, a children's hospice based in Sully
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Kate Middleton is following in Diana's footsteps by becoming royal patron for TÅ· Hafan, a children's hospice in South Wales beloved by the late Princess.
The Princess of Wales, 43, continued her return to public duty following her cancer battle as she visited the hospice in Sully on 30 January. Kate appeared in high spirits as she arrived for her first âaway dayâ since her health journey began last year. The royal mother-of-three was radiant in a grey midi dress, which featured pretty pussy-bow detailing around the neckline, pairing the ensemble with a cream coat and simple black pumps.
It's the biggest indication that the royal mother-of-three is returning to a more regular royal schedule of engagements, after undertaking her first solo appearance at the Royal Marsden earlier this month.
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Kate Middleton has a number of royal engagements lined up for the day, with the first being a visit to TÅ· Hafan, which supports families in Wales to ensure that children with life-shortening conditions live fulfilling lives. The visit may be particularly poignant for Kate, whose late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, who was the first patron of the Welsh charity.
Princess Diana visits patients at a hospice in Toronto, 25th October 1991
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The connection between the royals and TÅ· Hafan dates back 30 years, when the founder of the hospice first approached Diana about becoming the patron. At Diana's request, the first major fundraiser was a concert featuring opera legend Luciano Pavarotti in nearby Cardiff. Tragically, she was never able to visit the organisation, which opened in 1999 and became the first childrenâs hospice in Wales. It provides free care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families, both within the hospice and in homes and communities.
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During her visit to South Wales, The Princess of Wales she highlighted the work of longstanding organisations that prioritise community at their core. The Princesses focus was on the wellbeing of children and families
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The Princess is set to spend time with children receiving care at the hospice as well as their families before joining a âstay and playâ session which sees the children enjoy meaningful play and activities alongside their care. In what is likely to be an emotional meeting, Kate will also meet with bereaved families supported by TÅ· Hafan throughout their childrenâs lives, deaths and beyond.
A post shared ahead of the visit detailed how âproudâ Kate is that she will be the patron for the children's hospice. It read, 'A proud moment becoming Patron of TÅ· Hafan. Opening in 1999 as Wales' first childrenâs hospice, @tyhafan continues to provide specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions, offering vital support to them and their families, throughout life, at end of life, and beyond.'
Catherine is known to be fond of Wales, with a statement from the Palace released in 2022 detailing, 'The prince and princess have a deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey, and have thoroughly enjoyed previous visits and the warmth and kindness shown by the Welsh people. Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to spending more time in Wales over the coming months and years, taking the time to strengthen their relationship with communities in all parts of Wales.â
The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived in Anglesey from 2010 and 2013, soon after their marriage, when William worked as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. The prince has spoken fondly of their former home in the past, commenting at the 2013 Anglesey Show: âI know that I speak for Catherine when I say I have never in my life known somewhere as beautiful and as welcoming as Anglesey.â