Princess Catherine shares playtime with brave children affected by devastating illness

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has made a “vibrant” visit to the children’s hospice that was set up by the late Princess Diana. See the photos.

Princess Catherine radiated joy and compassion as she interacted with families of kids bravely fighting terminal illness during her visit to a children’s hospice in Wales.

The Princess of Wales visited Tŷ Hafan’s hospice near Cardiff, where she spent time playing and talking with children, families and staff.

Tŷ Hafan (Haven House in English) provides free care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families, both within the hospice and in homes and communities in Wales.

Catherine, Princess of Wales meets 3 year old Dani-Rae during a visit to Ty Hafan, a children’s hospice based in Sully, near Cardiff, which supports families in Wales. Picture: AFP

The Sun reports the 43-year-old royal cancer survivor has been appointed as new patron of the hospice, a position previously held by Princess Diana in its fundraising stage.

The visit also marked her first engagement in Wales since revealing her cancer diagnosis - and the royal made the most of it, sharing her down to earth presence and warm smiles.

Princess Catherine played with eight kids during the visit and spoke to four parents who lost children, as well as even painting her hand red and making a hand print on the wall.

Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with 5 year old Oscar at the children’s hospice in Wales. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images

Oscar, five, moved about using his walker and stopped the Princess in the corridor to interact with her.

Catherine, Princess of Wales (C) visits Ty Hafan and played with the children. Picture: AFP

As she entered the room where children were entertained by a guitarist, Princess Catherine said, “This is very vibrant.”

Smiling, Kate crouched down to speak to Dani-Rae, three, and asked: “What do you like doing here? Are you having a good time? Are you singing songs?

The royal playfully shook some maracas and asked: “Do you like playing any instruments?”

Kensington Palace arranged for a donation of musical instruments to be provided to the charity to allow them to conduct more music therapy sessions.

Catherine, Princess of Wales paints the hand of Maggie aged 4 years old whose sibling is being treated at TA Hafan, a children's hospice based in Sully, near Cardiff. Picture: Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

In one adorable moment, the Princess beamed as she let nine-year-old Lottie - whose sibling is being treated at the hospice - paint her hand bright red.

She also shared a cheeky laugh while painting the hand of four-year-old Maggie - another sister whose sibling is under the hospice’s care.

The future queen and mother-of-three also warmly chatted with parents and caregivers.

The Princess of Wales she highlighted the work of longstanding organisations that prioritise community at their core. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Princess’s focus was on the wellbeing of children and families, as well as celebrating the excellence of Welsh textiles manufacturing. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images

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.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales (C) shares a joke with members of the production team on the factory floor during a visit to Corgi, a family run textiles manufacturer. Picture: AFP

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Corgi, a family run textiles manufacturer focused on the production of socks and knitwear. Picture: AFP

In the same day Princess Catherine also visited a family-run Welsh textiles factory and enjoyed a lesson and a laugh on the factory floor with the textile workers as the royal was shown the ropes.

Production of textiles was one of the main economic activities in Wales for many centuries, which is known for its woollens, quilts and tapestries.

The Prince and Princess of Wales last visited Wales in October 2023 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush to the UK and mark the start of Black History Month.

Catherine, Princess of Wales spends time meeting with members of the public during a visit to Corgi, a family run textiles manufacturer. Picture: Rebecca Naden - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The visit is part of Kate’s “gradual return to work” after her last minute decision to join Prince William at a moving Holocaust Memorial Day event.

Originally published as Princess Catherine shares playtime with brave children affected by devastating illness