Princess Kate is following in the footsteps of the King and Princess Diana by becoming Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice – marking her first visit to Wales since undergoing cancer treatment.
For the first time since October 2023, the Princess of Wales is travelling to the country to celebrate the work of Welsh organisations with “community at their heart”.
Her Royal Highness is spending time with children receiving care at Tŷ Hafan, as well as their families, before meeting parents whose children have sadly died.
Kensington Palace has arranged for a donation of musical instruments to be provided to the children’s hospice, so they can provide more music therapy sessions – something the Princess is expected to observe today at Tŷ Hafan’s hospice in Sully, near Cardiff.
The Princess of Wales is following in the footsteps of the King and Princess Diana
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The wellbeing of children and their families is thought to be very close to the Princess’ heart; her first patronage she took on as a member of the Royal Family was East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH).
To this day, it is understood she maintains a close relationship with EACH, and is expected to build a similar relationship with Tŷ Hafan and the families it supports.
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.”
A proud moment becoming Patron of Tŷ Hafan. Opening in 1999 as Wales’ first children’s hospice, @tyhafan continues to provide specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions, offering vital support to them and their families, throughout life, at end of life, and… pic.twitter.com/2Bj84FwU4D
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 30, 2025
Tŷ Hafan also helps forge connections between families to support each other through shared experiences.
King Charles, as Prince of Wales, became Patron of Tŷ Hafan in 2001, taking over from Princess Diana, who was the hospice’s first patron until her death in 1997.
The children’s hospice said Diana, Princess of Wales, was “instrumental in fundraising for the build of our hospice”.
In 2022, Tŷ Hafan received a “substantial donation” from Diana’s former Private Secretary, Patrick Jephson, after the BBC paid him an “undisclosed sum” in damages and “apologised unreservedly” after an investigation showed disgraced journalist Martin Bashir used fake bank statements, suggesting Commander Jephson was working against the Princess.
This was in a bid to persuade her to take part in the now infamous 1995 Panorama interview.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is conducting public engagements in South Wales today as she continues her gradual return to public duties.
She is focused on spotlighting the wellbeing of children and families, and championing the Welsh textiles manufacturing industry.
