Duchess of Cambridge releases heartfelt message for Children's Hospice Week

As the mother-of-two young children, it must be confronting for the Duchess of Cambridge to devote her time to helping children's hospices in the UK, but Kate Middleton has this week released a message praising the work of staff and volunteers.

"Today we mark the beginning of Children's Hospice Week - I hope you will join me in shining a light on the dedicated and inspirational staff and volunteers, and the lifeline services they provide for children and their families", she said.

"The work they do is extraordinary, and it really does make a world of difference."

The mother of Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, two, has been the royal patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) since 2012.

The video uses the music of fellow EACH patron Ed Sheeran.

"As patron of EACH, I have seen the incredible difference that children's hospice and palliative care services can make for children, young people and their families.

"Across the U.K., more than 49,000 children and young people have life limiting conditions. For these families, having expert care and support is vital, and this is what children's hospices provide," she said. "They deliver first class care in a safe environment that feels as close to home as possible, full of color, warmth, love and support."

There are 54 children's hospices in the UK, currently caring for more than 49,000 children and young people.

The Duchess says "expert care and support is vital."

"For any parent, being told that your child may have a life-limiting condition, or may die young, will be one of the most difficult and isolating experiences you can face. Having someone to help you come to terms with this news, and the professional support and care that comes with this, can make an enormous difference.

"It can help families make the most of every precious moment they have together."

Children's Hospice Week in the UK is run by UK charity Together For Short Lives and runs from May 22 to 28.