Kate makes her mark on visit to ‘lifeline’ children’s hospice
Kate makes her mark on visit to ‘lifeline’ children’s hospice
Share:
The Princess of Wales left her mark when she followed tradition and made a handprint for a children’s hospice she described as a “lifeline”. Kate celebrated becoming patron of Ty Hafan children’s hospice in South Wales by visiting the centre where she did not unveil a plaque but contributed to a wall of handprints from youngsters and their families supported by staff.
She was announced as the hospice’s new figurehead as the visit began, her third of the week and part of a phased return to royal duties after she completed a bout of chemotherapy last summer and made the recent admission she is in remission from cancer.
During the visit she joined a “stay and play” musical session with children and family members and spoke to two bereaved couples whose children were cared for at the hospice. When she chatted to a number of parents and their children during the musical therapy she said about the hospice: “I know what a lifeline it is and makes a difference.”.
For the handprint session Kate was joined by Maggie, aged four, whose 12-year-old brother Felix has a very rare condition that has left him profoundly disabled. The princess painted the little girl’s hand with red paint and asked: “Is this ticklish? My kiddies love this, I went and did this back at home with them today.”.
After the print was made, it was Kate’s turn, and the four-year-old’s sister Lottie, aged 10, was given the job of painting Kate’s fingers and palm. When the reveal moment came, the princess said with a grin “It’s huge” as she looked down at her handprint which will be digitised and added to dozens on a wall.
