The Princess of Wales spent longer than anticipated during her visit to a children’s hospice in South Wales on Thursday, where she was announced as the charity’s new patron.
Kate, 43, visited Tŷ Hafan, taking over the patronage from King Charles who had held the role since 2001.
Tracy Jones, director of family wellbeing services at the hospice, told People that the visit was “most inspiring”.
The Princess immediately connected with the children and families at the facility in Sully, South Wales, spending quality time with each child and their parents.
The Princess of Wales spent longer than anticipated during her visit to a children’s hospice in South Wales yesterday
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Jones revealed: “She stayed much longer than we expected.”
She highlighted that the Princess was particularly focused on understanding the daily challenges faced by families using the hospice.
Jones said: “She crouched down and was straightaway on the level of the children.
“If they were in a wheelchair she crouched at that level, if they were on the floor she would be at that level.”
The Princess immediately connected with the children and families at the facility in Sully, South Wales
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The Princess showed natural instincts in her interactions with non-verbal children, maintaining eye contact even whilst speaking with parents, Jones revealed.
During her tour, Kate asked “really insightful questions” about the challenges families face.
She showed particular interest in the memorial garden, where she viewed pebbles decorated with the names of children who had died.
The Princess also spent time in the outdoor spaces, learning about the hospice’s therapeutic approaches to supporting families.
Princess showed natural instincts in her interactions with non-verbal children, maintaining eye contact even whilst speaking with parents, Jones revealed
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Parents who lost children at the hospice praised Kate’s approachable manner during her visit.
Candice Jones, whose daughter Winnie died in July 2023, said: “You’d never say she was the Princess of Wales. She was so calm and relaxed and welcoming.”
James Taylor, whose daughter Violet passed away last August, remarked: “She was marvellous. She had a presence about her, but she was a lot more down to earth and personable than I expected.”
The hospice, which opened in 1999, supports children with life-shortening conditions and their families, providing care through their lives, deaths and beyond.
