The Princess of Wales appeared to raid her wardrobe for an old-favourite dress to wear on a trip to Wales today - and it cost just £16. Kate, 43, visited Tŷ Hafan, a hospice for children near Cardiff, where she met children receiving care and their families and also joined in with a musical therapy session as well as arts and crafts, letting one young girl paint her hand. For the outing, which is her first trip to Wales since her cancer diagnosis and treatment, Kate wore a chic grey houndstooth dress with a pussybow neck tie, which was previously on sale at Zara for less than £20. Her earrings were from Welsh brand Spells of Love.

She's worn the dress several times before. The first on a trip to Bradford in 2020, and teamed it with a pair of grey Hugo Boss heels - and then in 2021 when she visited the University College London's (UCL) Centre for Longitudinal Studies visit to meet the academics behind a research project into the early years development of children. Kate's previously unannounced visit today comes as it is revealed that Kate is the new patron of the hospice - a role once held by both the late Princess Diana, during the fundraising stage of the charity, as well as King Charles from 2001.

The 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.". WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our Royal WhatsApp here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.