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Kate breaks silence after pulling out of Ascot to share poignant message about kids with ‘serious health conditions'
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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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.
"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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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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