The Princess of Wales has paid an emotional visit to a children's hospice today where she is following in the footsteps of the late Princess Diana. Kate, 43, dropped into Tŷ Hafan, a hospice for youngsters near Cardiff, in what is her first trip to Wales since her cancer diagnosis and treatment and her first solo 'away day' outside of London. Tŷ Hafan - which translates from Welsh to 'Haven House' in English - helps to provide free care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families and is the first children's hospice in Wales.

Her previously unannounced visit today comes as it is revealed that Kate is the new patron of the hospice - a role once held by both Diana, during the fundraising stage of the charity, as well as King Charles from 2001. At the hospice, Kate spent time with youngsters receiving care as well as their families and also meet bereaved families. The princess, who wore a grey dress, joined a music therapy session with Kensington Palace arranging for musical instruments to be provided to the hospice to be used in musical therapy sessions in the future. The aim of the hospice is to make sure that no family should have to live their child's short life alone and it provides support through life, death and beyond.

Kate's trip to Wales today comes amid a busy week for the princess as she gradually returns to duties following her chemotherapy treatment and the news earlier this month that she is in remission from cancer. On Monday, she joined husband Prince William for a service in London to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, where she had a reunion with two Holocaust survivors she got to know during a photography project five years ago.

The flurry of royal engagements this week is not thought to indicate that the princess is fully back to work but continuing her gradual resumption of official duties. It is believed Kate was very much looking forward to her trip to Wales today, especially as it is focussing on a theme close to her heart. She is already a patron of EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospice) and it was the first patronage she took up after marrying Prince William and becoming a member of the Royal Family in 2011.

She maintains a close relationship with the hospice and it is said she hopes to build a similar bond with Tŷ Hafan, which opened in 1999. Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, said: "We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Tŷ Hafan and it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our hospice for the first time today. As our Patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, our dedicated staff and volunteers and everyone who so generously supports us.

“No parent ever imagines that their child’s life will be short. Sadly this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can’t stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child’s short life alone.". After leaving the hospice, Kate the visited the family-run Corgi factory, which is famous for producing knitwear and socks. There Kate spent time with the design team and also toured the factory floor. The princess is said to have a passionate interest in the textiles industry, with her paternal ancestors the owners of the woollen manufacturer and merchant, William Lupton & Co, based in Leeds.

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