Princess Kate makes major announcement days after Royal Ascot mix up

The Princess of Wales has issued a new statement to celebrate a cause close to her heart

Princess Kate issued a new statement (Image: Getty)

The Princess of Wales has issued a new statement to celebrate a cause close to her heart, just days after she pulled out of Royal Ascot. Princess Kate, who is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, has marked this year’s Children’s Hospice Week, which is taking place from June 16 until June 22.

In a highly personal message, the future Queen, who dedicated her royal career to promoting the importance of early years development in children, spoke of the difference hospice care and support make to families at unimaginably difficult times. Kate said in her message: “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 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.

Princess Kate’s message to celebrate Children’s Hospice Week (Image: Kensington Palace)
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“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.”

Kate praised the work being done at children’s hospices and described it as “life changing” as she urged the public to celebrate with her.

She said: “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.”

Children’s Hospice Week is led across the UK by Together for Short Lives, a charity for children’s palliative care.

Kate was named patron of EACH in January 2012 and patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in January 2025, when she visited the area.

Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, praised the princess and thanked her for her “invaluable contribution.”

He said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Princess of Wales for celebrating Children’s Hospice Week, and the amazing work of children’s hospices, with her personal message of support this year. 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.”

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice said: “We are deeply grateful to The Princess of Wales, Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, for her incredible support. Her Royal Highness is clearly profoundly committed to the needs of children and young people, and in January, during her first visit to our hospice as our Patron, her kindness and empathy were evident.”

Kevin Clements, Chief Executive of EACH said: “We’re so incredibly grateful for The Princess’ invaluable contribution as our dedicated Royal Patron. Her ongoing support and vast profile have projected our charity onto the global stage and this latest message is a perfect way to mark Children’s Hospice Week.”

It comes just two days after the princess pulled out of Royal Ascot. Despite being announced as one of the royal attendees on Wednesday in a now corrected list, Kate was said to have been disappointed not to join husband William and the King and Queen at the famous sporting and social event in Berkshire.