Princess of Wales shares heartwarming personal message for Children’s Hospice Week

The Princess of Wales has celebrated Children's Hospice Week by releasing a touching statement praising the "remarkable" contribution these facilities make in supporting young people with serious illnesses and their families.

As Royal Patron of both East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, Her Royal Highness has encouraged the British public to recognise the transformative work carried out by these organisations.

The annual awareness campaign, coordinated nationally by Together for Short Lives, represents the sole week dedicated entirely to highlighting children's hospice services across the United Kingdom.

Running until Sunday, June 21, the initiative aims to showcase how these institutions help families treasure precious time together whilst navigating extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

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In her personal message, the princess wrote: "Every childhood deserves to be rich in joy, love, and shared memories. As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, I have been privileged to see firsthand how children's hospices make this possible for babies, children and young people living with serious illness."

She continued: "Children's hospices are joyful and nurturing environments where children can simply be children; to play, explore, express themselves and connect with others."

Her Royal Highness emphasised the support offered to families, stating: "For families, hospices offer a compassionate and restorative space to breathe, be together, and find strength in a community that understands their journey."

The princess noted that dedicated professionals deliver expert, holistic care, walking alongside families throughout a young person's life.

Catherine also addressed common misconceptions about seeking hospice care, writing: "When we shine a light on the remarkable, yet often unseen, work the hospices do to help children and their families live as fully as possible, we can break down one of the greatest barriers families often face: the fear that reaching out means giving up hope, or that care only begins at the very end."

She reflected on the resilience of childhood, adding: "Even in the most challenging circumstances, when children are surrounded by attuned care, opportunities for expression, and environments that nurture their whole selves, they can experience joy, belonging and the freedom to be who they are."

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Her Royal Highness described these facilities as "extraordinary places" that demonstrate how childhood remains a period of creativity, connection and possibility, even when facing serious illness.

Leaders from the hospices expressed profound appreciation for the royal endorsement.

Kevin Clements, Chief Executive of EACH, said: "We are deeply appreciative of The Princess for the unwavering commitment she has shown as our Royal Patron. Her continued encouragement and international profile have helped bring greater awareness to our charity and the families we support."

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, remarked that the Princess's words highlight "the profound difference that children's hospices make to the lives of so many families."

Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, added: "Children's Hospice Week is the one week of the year given over to children's hospices and the families who rely on them."

The Princess has served as EACH's Royal Patron since January 2012 and took on the Tŷ Hafan patronage in January 2025.

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