Kate breaks silence after abruptly cancelling Ascot appearance
IN LONDON
The Princess of Wales has released a heartfelt statement just days after pulling out of Royal Ascot at the last minute.
Kate, 43, released a personal note on Friday, UK, speaking about the life-changing work of children's hospices.
Royal-watchers were left disappointed earlier this week after it emerged that she'd had to cancel her scheduled appearance in the royal carriage procession alongside the King, Queen and Prince William at the iconic raceground, after also missing it last year due to her cancer treatment.
In her statement on Friday, which was shared in honour of the UK's Children's Hospice Week, the princess expressed her gratitude for the vital care provided by those working with sick children.
'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,' Kate wrote.
'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.
'Being able to access the support of one of the UK's 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone.'
The princess has been Royal Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices for more than a decade, and this year also became the Royal Patron of TÅ· Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales.
'As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and TÅ· Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices,' she said.
'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.
'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.'
Despite being on a positive trajectory since announcing her gradual return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy, there were concerns on Wednesday when Kate pulled out of the racing event at the last minute.
She had already been listed to travel in the second carriage of the royal procession, alongside her husband.
However, a short time later it was confirmed by Kensington Palace that Kate would not be attending, with local media reporting she was 'disappointed' but was having to 'find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements'.
It came after a busy week for the Princess of Wales, who attended a series of events including Trooping the Colour, in the days leading up to Ascot.
Back in January, she revealed she was in remission from cancer, which she had first publicly disclosed last March.
Last September, she released an emotional video message, featuring personal footage of herself with William and their three children, opening up about the challenges they'd all been privately battling – but also proudly announced she had completed her treatment.
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