The beloved mother-of-two, who has been a royal patron of the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices since 2012, dropped by one of their facilities.
On Tuesday, January 24, Catherine headed 40 miles from her Anmer Hall residence, where she visited the children’s hospice in Quidenham, Norfolk, to spend time with several families, children and staff.
Upon arriving, Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s mum met with the family five-year-old Finnbar Cork, who died last year of an inoperable brain tumor.
Finnbar’s little sister Nell presented Catherine with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Young Nell was very shy when meeting the real life Princess.
But Catherine had no qualms putting the little one at ease.
Finnbar’s family was moved by the royal’s compassion.
Jane Campbell, who is one of the service managers at the children’s hospice, chatted to People about how the Duchess charmed the patients and their family members.
“She got down on people’s levels. She made a point of crouching when she was talking with children so she was at eye level, and she sat with the bereaved family. She didn’t stand over them; she sat comfortably and had a good open body language,” Jane reflected.
“She’s good at putting people at ease and hear their stories.”
The young kids adore Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s mum.
Catherine also chatted to the family of six-year-old Isabelle Benton.
Joining Isabelle for the special royal visit was her dad Roger, sisters Aimie, nine, Daisy, four, and Molly, two, and her mum, Michala Benton.
“She recognised us, as we have met her before. She was quite chatty,” Michala told People.
“My daughter Daisy asked Kate what it was like to be a real princess, and Kate said she’s very lucky that she’s very well looked after by her husband. Molly gave her a picture she had made at preschool.”
Arts and crafts for the royal.
Kate was touched by young Isabelle’s bravery.
The six-year-old, who has a number of neurological conditions, including complex refractory epilepsy and global developmental delay, as well as developing psychological and behavioral issues, loved her time with the princess.
Michala mused that the 35-year-old was incredibly empathetic, something that would shine in Catherine’s parenting.
“Now that she’s a mother, she has that total understanding of what it is like,” Isabelle’s mum remarked.
Looking very elegant in a Hobbs suit.
The Duchess channeled Jackie O chic in a deep green tweed matching skirt and jacket from Hobbs, teamed with black heels.
Kate’s visit gave her chance to voice her support of raising funds to build a new, modern facility for the hospice charity The Nook, in Framingham Earl.
The royal first launched the $12.5million appeal back in 2014.
One lucky girl got to present the Duchess with her artwork…
And we can see the inspiration! Maybe one day young Lily will be painting royal portraits!
EACH is especially near to Catherine’s heart, as it was one of the first organisations she joined following her marriage to Prince William.
The charity’s Chief Executive, Graham Butland, spoke of her time with the kids, revealing she attended an art therapy session with them.
“She enjoyed doing some painting with the children and nearly got some paint tipped in her lap by one of the little girls,” he said.
We’ll no doubt see more Kate and Wills at official royal events, as the couple make their move to London later this year.
Catherine was all smiles as she left the hospice.
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