Home Celebrity Royals

Kate Middleton’s tears for terminally ill baby boy

The Duchess of Cambridge was left fighting back tears when she met a terminally-ill baby the same age as son George in Manly yesterday.
Kate Middleton crying

The Royal couple were introduced to Max McIntyre at Bear Cottage children’s hospice in Manly.

Max was born happy and healthy but contracted bacterial meningitis six weeks ago and now has just weeks to live.

“I welled up and was really worried I would start crying,” William said afterwards. “Once I started I wouldn’t I have stopped, so it took a great effort to control myself. He’s a similar age to George – it was extremely moving.”

Kate meeting patients of Bear Cottage.

Kate sung songs with Bear Cottage’s patients.

Max’s parents Amy and Rob McIntyre were thrilled to meet the Duke and Duchess but said the experience was “bittersweet” because they’d much rather have a healthy child.

“Kate and William were fighting back tears when we told them about Max,” Amy said. “They could totally see themselves in us, as both our sons were born around the same time.”

“Kate stroked Max’s leg and they were both very moved. They struggled to hold back tears-they were welling up.”

“Obviously it was lovely meeting them, and they are very charming and caring. But meeting them was obviously bitter sweet-we’d give anything not to be here.”

“Max has touched many hearts and he obviously touched them.”

Related stories


Unwind and relax with your favourite magazine!

Huge savings plus FREE home delivery