Kate Middleton celebrates children's hospices in heartfelt letter

Princess Kate, 44, has issued a heartfelt letter marking the start of Children's Hospice Week, urging the public to recognise the profound impact that children's hospices have on young patients and their families. The Princess of Wales released the letter on Sunday, praising the environments hospices create for children with severe and life-limiting illnesses.

Kate has championed children's hospice care for much of her working life, adopting East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) shortly after her marriage to Prince William in 2011. In 2025, she also became patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales.

In her letter, she called on the public to join her in applauding "the countless ways children's hospices make every moment count for the children and families they support, and in recognizing the profound, life-changing impact of the culture of care they are working to create."

Kate described hospices as spaces where children can simply be themselves. "Children's hospices are joyful and nurturing environments where children can simply be children; to play, explore, express themselves and connect with others," she wrote.

She went on to highlight the support offered to families. "For families, hospices offer a compassionate and restorative space to breathe, be together, and find strength in a community that understands their journey. This expert, holistic care is delivered by dedicated professionals who walk alongside families at every stage, often over many years, throughout a young person's life and, when needed, into death and bereavement," she added.

"Children's hospices are places that protect connection; between children and their families, between families and their communities, between hospice staff and the people they support, and within each child's own sense of self."

Kate also addressed the barriers that prevent some families from seeking help. "When we shine a light on the remarkable, yet often unseen, work the hospices do to help children and their families live as fully as possible, we can break down one of the greatest barriers families often face: the fear that reaching out means giving up hope, or that care only begins at the very end," she wrote.

She concluded: "Even in the most challenging circumstances, when children are surrounded by attuned care, opportunities for expression, and environments that nurture their whole selves, they can experience joy, belonging and the freedom to be who they are. These extraordinary places remind us that even in the face of serious illness, childhood remains a time of creativity, connection and possibility."

Hospice leaders respond

Kevin Clements, Chief Executive of EACH, praised Kate's ongoing support. "Her continued encouragement and international profile have helped bring greater awareness to our charity and the families we support, and this latest message is a fitting way to highlight the importance of Children's Hospice Week," he said. "It shines a powerful light on the vital role children's hospices play, while also reminding people of the crucial support they provide through donations and fundraising," he added.

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, said Kate was "drawing the attention to the profound difference that children's hospices, including Tŷ Hafan, make to the lives of so many families and reminds us all of the importance of supporting your local children's hospice so that no family has to live their child's short life alone."

A busy week for the royal family

The letter came during an especially full week for Kate and the wider royal family. On Saturday, she and Prince William attended Trooping the Colour alongside their three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8. On Monday, 15 June, Kate also supported William, 43, at the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle. Children's Hospice Week is coordinated by the UK charity Together for Short Lives.

Families speak out

During Kate's visit to Tŷ Hafan in January 2025, she met staff and parents whose children had been cared for at the hospice. Among them were Candice Jones and Anton Griffiths from Llanelli, Wales, who lost their daughter Winnie — who had Alexander's Disease — in July 2023.

"She gave such a calm vibe," Candice told PEOPLE of meeting the Princess. Reflecting on the hospice itself, Candice said: "It is a special place. As I come up over the drive, I feel as if I am closer to her. It is all about you and your family here, and [it] is so calm."