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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visiting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice in Milton, Cambridgeshire

Cambridge News

Kate Middletonis hailing the work of children’s hospices.

The Princess of Wales haswritten a letteroffering her heartfelt support to those who care for seriously ill children, describing them as a “shining light” to families in their “darkest times.”

Kate, 41, wrote the letter at the start of Children’s Hospice Week, a U.K. event that helps to raise awareness of the work of hospices across the country. She also went on to praise the staff at the hospices for their extraordinary teamwork” and for allowing “children to be children" in the most difficult of circumstances.

“As Patron ofEast Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, I have been privileged to see first-hand the incredible way hospices help families and allow children to be children,” Kate wrote in reference to the patronage she took on in January 2012. It was at EACH’s center in Ipswich, Suffolk that she also made her first speech as a member of the royal family in March 2012.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales during a visit to the Windsor Family Hub

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Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince William of Wales on the balcony during Trooping the Colour

“On behalf of parents and carers across the country, I would like to say a huge thank you to all those working in Children’s Hospices," added Kate, who referenced that there are currently 99,000 seriously-ill kids receiving life-changing care in hospices across the U.K. “You are a shining light to so many families in their darkest times and your efforts do not go unnoticed.”

“This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the truly extraordinary teamwork that goes into providing this incredible care,” she continued.

The CEO of EACH, Phil Gormley, praised Kate’s commitment to hospices in a statement.

“Children’s Hospice Week is a hugely significant opportunity to celebrate the work we do, supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions," said Gormley.

EACH

The Treehouse taken during an EACH beach day at Felixstowe in August 2022

“We are so grateful for The Princess’ invaluable contribution as Royal Patron.”

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“Her work, visits and profile have projected our charity — as well as the importance of children’s hospice services generally — onto the global stage and for that we are truly thankful."

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Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Britain’s Prince George of Wales, Britain’s Prince Louis of Wales, Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain’s Princess Charlotte of Wales and Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales, come out to watch the fly-past of aircraft by the Britain’s Royal Air Force

Her letter also comes during a busy public period for the princess. At the weekend, Katecelebrated her husbandPrince Williamfor Father’s Day, afterjoining her family at the annualTrooping the Colour parade — her first as Princess of Wales — on Saturday.

On Monday, she will also be with the rest of the royal family at the annual Order of the Garter ceremony and service at Windsor Castle.

source: people.com