Kate Middleton makes first trip to Wales in 2025 as special new patronage is announced
The Princess of Wales has travelled to Wales for the first time this year as she was announced the Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice


The Princess of Wales has visited Wales for the first time in 2025 as it was announced that she has taken on a special new patronage.
As a working member of the Royal Family, Kate is Patron to a number of important organisations and charities and she is proud to now have become the Patron of Tŷ Hafan, the first children’s hospice in Wales. Tŷ Hafan first opened in 1999 and continues to provide exceptional specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions. Based in Sully, they offer vital support to children and their families and the Princess visited the hospice on 30th January.
During her time at Tŷ Hafan, Kate spent time with children, families and members of staff. Her Royal Highness’s visit was welcomed by Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, who said they are "deeply honoured" to have Kate as their Patron.
"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," Irfon declared. "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."
He continued, "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."
As part of her special visit to the hospice, Kate took part in a "stay and play" session where children enjoy meaningful play and activities alongside their care. She also met with bereaved families who Tŷ Hafan supported throughout their children’s lives, deaths and beyond.
To conclude her time there, the Princess of Wales also helped others with handprint painting and had her own taken for a particularly heartfelt reason. As revealed on the Tŷ Hafan website, hers will join the handprints of the hundreds of children with life-shortening conditions and their families who’ve been supported by the hospice to date.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
This was an incredibly meaningful and moving engagement for the Princess of Wales and her late mother-in-law Princess Diana was once patron of Tŷ Hafan. Later on in the day she paid a visit to Corgi, a family run textiles manufacturer. They specialise in the production of socks and knitwear and she spent time with the design team and went out on to the factory floor where she met members of the production team and even tried out some of the machines herself.
As someone who often wears the best British clothing brands, Kate was likely thrilled to be able to learn more about Corgi, who are "committed to quality and its heritage" and are inspired by Wales and its landscape. For this particular engagement she re-wore an old favourite houndstooth dress by Zara with heeled Russell & Bromley pumps.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Revelatory Biography of the Future Queen by Robert Jobson | Was £22, Now £7 at Amazon
This biography of the Princess of Wales explores how Kate became the woman she is today and delves beyond the headlines. Author Robert Jobson spoke to sources on and off the record to paint a fascinating portrait of the future Queen.
Prince William and Kate lived in Anglesey off the North West coast of Wales before relocating to Kensington Palace in 2013. A Palace statement released in 2022 spoke of the couple’s "deep affection" for Wales and expressed their desire to spend more time there.
"The prince and princess have a deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey, and have thoroughly enjoyed previous visits and the warmth and kindness shown by the Welsh people," it stated. "Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to spending more time in Wales over the coming months and years, taking the time to strengthen their relationship with communities in all parts of Wales."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
White Lotus stars Leslie Bibb and Sam Rockwell have been together for 18 years – they use this 'three-week rule'
The secret behind their long-lasting relationship sounds very simple
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Weekly horoscope: 2 astrologers' predictions for 31st March - 6th April 2025
Read your weekly horoscope from Sally Trotman and Penny Thornton who reveal what this week holds for every star sign on love, family, career, and more
By Penny Thornton Published
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's baby pink McQueen suit? I've found a dreamy Mango lookalike
The Princess of Wales's pastel pink suit was a show-stopping spring outfit and I've found something very similar at Mango
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton addresses family move and why she and Prince William swapped London for Windsor
The Princess of Wales has explained why she and Prince William moved to Berkshire in 2022 and it makes complete sense
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
We never thought we’d love jewel tones in spring but Kate Middleton’s green St Patrick’s day outfit makes it look so elegant
The Princess of Wales stepped out on St Patrick's Day wearing a gorgeous bottle green coat and matching accessories
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What wedges does Kate Middleton wear? Where to buy her summer shoe staples
Kate Middleton's wedges are an elegant option for the summer months and there are certain designs she's had in her collection for years
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What Missoma earrings does Kate Middleton have? The two affordable go-tos the Princess of Wales wears on repeat
The Princess of Wales has an extensive royal jewellery collection but her affordable Missoma pieces are some of her most-worn
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pancake confession is one of the most relatable royal food revelations we've heard
The Princess of Wales once put her pancake flipping skills to the test at engagement and made a candid admission
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pink gingham blouse was the chicest baking outfit ever - now it's back for spring we're picking it up
The Princess of Wales' Brora gingham blouse sold out when she wore it back in 2022 but we've noticed it's back right now
By Emma Shacklock Published