Kate Middleton Surprise Visit to Children's Hospice Shows Royal's Nurturing Side
The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her generosity and caring, especially when it comes to working with youth. Unbeknownst to the press, she made a visit to The Treehouse in Suffolk, a subsidiary of East Anglia Children's Hospices.
"Around the clock support is crucial for children receiving palliative care," Kate Middleton said in a statement during Children's Hospice Week. "They and their families often need help every hour of every day, both in hospices and at home. As Patron of EACH (East Anglia Children's Hospices), I have seen first-hand this remarkable and varied work and just how vital the support of staff and volunteers can be to the families of children with life limiting conditions."
The Duchess stopped by to visit the youth staying at The Treehouse and also met with the administrators. However, not much else was made known to the public, citing patients' privacy as well as royal privacy. The Duchess wanted to make sure that volunteers and administrators knew they had her full support, as well as that of her husband, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry.
"It has been wonderful to see the fantastic public support for Children's Hospice Week over the last few days," Middleton said. "Please continue supporting your local children's hospice in whatever way you can."
Middleton has always been passionate about working with youth, but she has been working extra hard ever since becoming a mother. Visits like these show her personal passion and dedication to the charities she represents – they are not to improve her royal image but to improve the lives of those around her. According to one report, Middleton said she is looking into seeing what the Royal Foundation can do to provide help and support for EACH.
"The very active role the Duchess plays, both publicly and in private, is considerable and much appreciated by our staff, volunteers, and of course the children, young people and families using our services," EACH's Chief Executive Graham Butland said.