Princess of Wales shares heartfelt statement for Children's Hospice Week as Royal Patron: 'Extraordinary work'

Catherine, Princess of Wales has shared a heartfelt message for an important cause.

Catherine has been a Royal Patron of the East Anglia's Children's Hospices since 2012, and became the patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales in January 2025.

For Children's Hospice Week, she shared a personal statement praising the "extraordinary" and "life-changing" work of children's hospices.

READ MORE: Before her daughter's death, Vicky made a heartfelt plea. The princess listened

"No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life," the Princess of Wales said in a statement issued yesterday.

"Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated."

The royal highlighted the support available from 54 children's hospices in the UK.

READ MORE: Detail in mum's 16-week pregnancy scan set off alarm bells

She noted that as patron of two children's hospices, "I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices."

"Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond."

READ MORE: 'I've been around lawyers': Ryan Reynolds' remark amid Lively, Baldoni lawsuit

The royal visited Tŷ Hafan in January after it was announced she would become a patron of the organisation – a role previously held by Princess Diana.

Children's Hospice Week, led by the Children's palliative care charity Together for Short Lives to raise awareness, runs until June 22.

"This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times," she concluded.

The Princess of Wales' statement comes days after her absence from Royal Ascot.

The royal pulled out of her planned attendance at the last minute.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.