The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, has released a touching message in support of Children's Hospice Week. The doting mum – who is patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices – recently visited one of their centres where she met seriously ill youngsters and learnt about how volunteers contributed to the day-to-day running of the facilities. "Around the clock support is crucial for children receiving palliative care," said Kate. "They and their families often need help every hour of every day, both in hospices and at home.
The Duchess of Cambridge paid a private visit to The Treehouse centre
"As Patron of EACH, I have seen first-hand this remarkable and varied work and just how vital the support of staff and volunteers can be to the families of children with life limiting conditions. "It has been wonderful to see the fantastic public support for Children's Hospice Week over the last few days. Please continue supporting your local children's hospice in whatever way you can." The 32-year-old royal had visited The Treehouse centre, where she met young patients and was pictured speaking with one child in a wheelchair. Looking graceful as ever, thrify Kate opted for a Diane von Furstenberg paisley dress, which she has owned since her university days at St Andrews.
The Duchess of Cambridge was showing her support for East Anglia's Children's Hospices
While details of Kate's private visit are limited, the charity released a statement thanking the Duchess for her support throughout the years. "As our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness has really helped put children's hospice services in the UK at the forefront of people's minds and allowed us to demonstrate the full and flexible range of services families can benefit from 24/7," the statement read. "The very active role the Duchess plays, both publicly and in private, is considerable and much appreciated by our staff, volunteers and of course the children, young people and families using our services." As well as East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Kate is also patron of other children's charities including Action on Addiction, The Art Room and Place2Be.
Children's Hospice Week runs from 13 to 20 June.