Princess Kate makes surprise solo trip to Wales as Palace make fresh announcement

Princess Kate is undertaking her first engagement in Wales since October 2023.

By Emily Ferguson, Royal Editor

Kate Middleton arrives for Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice visit

Princess Kate played with seriously ill children and chatted with bereaved families on a surprise visit to Wales on Thursday.

Kate, 43, met six children having end-of-life care at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice as she was announced as their new patron.

The caring princess spent time chatting to the youngsters and their families during a ‘stay and play’ event, getting stuck in with painting, rolling a sparkly ball along the floor and musical activities.

It marked her second engagement of the week, having decided at the last minute to join her husband at official commemorations marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday.

However, her flurry of engagements this week is not an indication that the princess is fully back to work.

princess kate arrives in Wales

Princess Kate has made a surprise solo visit to Wales (Image: Kensington Palace)

Instead, it is understood that she will be continuing her gradual resumption of official duties following her remission from cancer.

Wearing a long-sleeved houndstooth Zara dress, chunky heeled pumps and her hair in loose waves, Kate said “this is very vibrant” as she entered the room where children were entertained by a guitarist.

Smiling Kate crouched down to speak to Dani-Rae, three, who has spinal muscular atrophy, and asked: "What do you like doing here? Are you having a good time? Are you singing songs?

She shook some maracas and asked: "Do you like playing any instruments?"

Kensington Palace has arranged for a donation of musical instruments for the hospice, based in the village of Sully near Cardiff, for future music therapy sessions.

Princess of Wales visit to South Wales

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, has her hand painted red (Image: PA)

Princess of Wales visit to South Wales

The Princess of Wales has just been announced as patron of the children's hospice (Image: PA)
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The princess sat with Felix, 12, and listened to how he was being cared for at the hospice.

Kate said: "This is a really calm place."

Speaking with parents and carers, the royal spoke about the hospice providing both physical and emotional support, adding: "I know what such a lifeline it is here and makes such a difference."

She was then shown a room that is to be used by Maisie, 16, and noticed a copy of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark - which she read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories in 2022.

Kate was told some children can stay for care without their parents.

The princess said: "Sometimes, having just spoken to them, the fact that they have been coming here for regular periods of time, they build up a rapport so they know they are really in a safe space and got that relationship with their carers.

"That's support on a holistic front not just their physical needs, it's that (gesturing to the stay and play)."

Princess of Wales visit to South Wales

The Princess of Wales is wearing a dress from Zara (Image: PA)

Princess of Wales visit to South Wales

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, during a visit to the hospice in Sully (Image: PA)

Five-year-old Oscar bumped into Kate during her tour, as he whizzed round the corridors on his walker.

The princess leaned down and said "you've got some good exercise going” before the youngster led her through the building to the garden.

Outside she marvelled at the "beautiful environment" and spoke to parents who had lost their children as birdsong rung out.

The sounds have been created by turning children’s names into morse codes.

A plaque on the speaker playing the bird songs reads: "These names will be forever in our skies."

Kate then helped four-year-old Maggie, Felix’s sister, make a handprint.

Princess of Wales visit to South Wales

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, during a visit to the hospice in Sully (Image: PA)

Kate Middleton meets families at Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice

She took her hand and said: "Shall we do it together? Would you like me to paint your hand?"

Holding her hand while she brushed red paint onto it, Kate said: "Tell me if it tickles. Is it ticklish? My kiddlies would love this if I went and did this back at home today."

Lottie, 10, another sibling, then had the honour of painting the princess’ hand.

Kate said it felt “very relaxing” before placing her hand on a piece of paper and saying: "I should have done my nails."

Looking at her mark left behind she said: "It's huge!"

Then after washing off the paint, she signed 'Catherine' next to the handprint which will be digitised and put on the wall with others from children, their siblings and parents.

On her way out Kate pledged her support and said: "It's been a very special visit."

The princess has followed in the footsteps of Diana, Princess of Wales and the King to become the figurehead of Ty Hafan, based in Sully, near Cardiff.

Irfon Rees, chief executive of Ty Hafan, based in the village of Sully near Cardiff, said: "We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales has become patron of Ty 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."

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