Kate breaks silence after pulling out of Ascot to share poignant message about kids with ‘serious health conditions'
KATE SPEAKS OUT Kate breaks silence after pulling out of Ascot to share poignant message about kids with 'serious health conditions'
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PRINCESS Kate has spoken out in celebration of the "life-changing work" of children's hospice staff.
The Princess of Wales, 43, pulled out of her only appearance at Royal Ascot on Wednesday as aides balance her return to full time duty after her cancer diagnosis.
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Kate was spotted alongside the family attending Trooping the Colour earlier this week
Credit: Getty
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The princess has slowly been returning to royal duties after going into remission in January
Credit: Getty
But she returned to work writing a personal message to mark the end of Children's Hospice Week.
Kate is Royal Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH), and in January this year became the Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales.
In a letter shared in social media she wrote: "No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life.
"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.
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"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.
"As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, 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.
"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."
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Her Royal Highness wrote the heartfelt message to mark Children's Hospice Week
Credit: Instagram
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The princess has been Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices since 2012
Credit: Instagram
This comes after Kate pulled out of her Royal Ascot appearance last Wednesday.
She was listed as arriving in the carriage procession with Prince William, however, moments later, the palace revealed that the mother-of-three had to drop out last minute to continue with her recovery.
It is understood that Kate was "disappointed" not to go but has "to find the right balance" on returning to full time duty.
Since announcing in January she is in remission, the princess has been gradually returning to public duties.
Recent days have seen her attend Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter, as well as making a visit to V&A East Storehouse last week.
However, it is understood that Kate is trying to find the balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements that have featured an element of flexibility since her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
Prince William was spotted putting on a brave face in his wife's absence, as he drank beer and joked with fellow royals.
He was seen greeting others in the grandstand and cheering on horses and jockeys during a sunny day two of racing.
Other royals in attendance at this year's Ascot include King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were spotted cheering on from the Royal Box, and Sarah Ferguson, alongside her daughter Princess Beatrice.
The national Children's Hospice Week is led by children's palliative care charity Together for Short Lives and the event is dedicated to raising awareness of children's hospice services.
Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said about Kate: "Her ongoing support for Children's Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children's hospices do, every day of the year.
"Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that's for years, months or only hours."
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Kate stunned at Trooping the Colour this week as her and Charlotte wore matching teal dresses
Credit: PA
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Kate paid tribute to the support provided by the 54 institutions that specialise in caring for society's youngest at the end of their lives and 'lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play'. In a surprise move on Wednesday, Kate missed Royal Ascot for the second successive year as she seeks the right balance following her treatment for cancer. The Princess of Wales visited Ty Hafan Children's Hospice near Cardiff in January (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) Since announcing in January she is in remission, the princess has been gradually returning to public duties. Her appearances have increased in recent weeks, attending three high-profile events – Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service, and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London. It is understood Kate is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements that have featured an element of flexibility since her cancer diagnosis. Kate's written message, posted on social media ahead of the end of Children's Hospice Week this weekend, said: 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. '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.' Speaking in her role as royal patron of two children's hospices, she added: '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. Kate helping pot plants and herbs during a visit to The Nook children's hospice in Framlingham Earl, Norfolk, in 2020 (Joe Giddens/PA) 'As patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Ty Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, 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. '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.' The national Children's Hospice Week is led by children's palliative care charity Together for Short Lives and the event is dedicated to raising awareness of children's hospice services. Nick Carroll, chief executive officer of Together for Short Lives, said about Kate: ''Her ongoing support for Children's Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children's hospices do, every day of the year. 'Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that's for years, months or only hours.'
