has surprised royal fans by travelling to South Wales today for a solo engagement.
The Princess of Wales, 43, arrived at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice on Thursday morning, just days after .
Her visit coincides with Kensington Palace’s announcement that Kate has today become the patron of Tŷ Hafan, the first children’s hospice in Wales.
She follows in the footsteps of the King, who was patron of the hospice from 2001, and the late Princess Diana who was patron from 1995 until her death two years later.
Tŷ Hafan – which translates from Welsh to ‘Haven House’ in English – provides free care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families, both within the hospice and in homes and communities in Wales.
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Princess Kate has made a surprise solo visit to Wales (Image: Kensington Palace)
The Princess of Wales, Patron of Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, during a visit to the hospice in Sully (Image: PA)
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The hospice offers a vital lifeline throughout a child’s life, as well as at the end of life – through bereavement and beyond.
During her visit to the hospice, located in Sully, near Cardiff, Kate will spend time with children receiving care at the hospice and their families.
She will also join a ‘stay and play’ session where the children enjoy meaningful play and activities alongside their care and speak with bereaved families supported by Tŷ Hafan.
The wellbeing of children and their families has always been close to the Princess’ heart.
Her first patronage was EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice) and she maintains a close relationship with the organisation to this day. Kate is looking forward to building a similar relationship with Tŷ Hafan and the children and families it serves in Wales
Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, said: “We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Tŷ Hafan and 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.
“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 happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child’s short life alone.”