The Princess of Wales stepped out on Thursday to visit Tŷ Hafan, a children's hospice in Sully, Wales. Kate, 43, was seen talking to children and their families during the visit which timed in with her being named patron of the organisation.
It was clear to see that conversing with a group of children brought Prince William's wife's own children to the forefront of her mind as she revealed a rare insight into their home life at Adelaide Cottage.
Kate was seen covering a little girl's hand with red paint ready to print on a piece of paper. "My kiddies would love this if I did this back at home," the royal said to the child as she painted her fingers carefully.
© GettyAs a passionate amateur photographer, it is no secret that Kate has an artistic side. It's no surprise then that her children follow in her footsteps in enjoying a spot of arts and crafts.
© GettyHowever, psychotherapist and parenting advisor, Alicia Eaton, tells us that there is more to this activity than meets the eye.
A bonding experience
"When children and parents engage in artistic activities together—especially ones that involve a bit of mess—it’s about far more than just having fun," Alicia says.
© Getty"Activities like painting, playing with clay, or even finger-painting help build strong emotional bonds between a parent and child."
Healing power
The parenting expert explains that messy play will have had even more benefits for the Wales children of late as they navigate the aftereffects of their mother's preventative chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
© Getty"Particularly when a family is navigating something as emotionally challenging as a cancer diagnosis and recovery, creative activities can provide a much-needed sense of connection and comfort," the author of First Aid for Your Child's Mind explains.
© Kensington Palace/Will Warr"Children struggle to articulate their feelings about illness and uncertainty, so artistic activities allow them to process their emotions in a safe and supportive way."
© InstagramAlicia says artistic expression is just as important for Kate as it is for her brood: "For the princess, moments of creativity offer a chance to step away from the stress of medical treatments and simply be with her children. Sitting together, laughing, and creating something—even if it's just a messy masterpiece—reminds everyone that love and connection remain constant, no matter what challenges life brings."
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Alongside arts and crafts, William and Kate's children are known to enjoy sports, baking, and gardening.
