Kate visits children's hospice as she is named patron, following in Diana's footsteps

The Princess of Wales has been playing with children at a hospice where she has just been named patron.

In a surprise solo engagement, Kate visited Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, near Cardiff, where she spent time with children, families and staff.

She has followed in the footsteps of Princess Diana and the King in becoming the institution's figurehead.

The trip is her second engagement this week after she continues to make a phased return to royal duties after she confirmed earlier this month she is now in remission from cancer.

Irfon Rees, chief executive of Ty Hafan, said: "We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become patron of Ty 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."

The Princess of Wales was seen talking and playing with different children, and had her hand painted by 9-year-old Lottie, whose sibling is being treated at the hospice.

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Ty Hafan was founded in 1999 by Suzanne Goodall, after a fundraising campaign lasting more than a decade, when she discovered there wasn't a children's hospice in Wales.

Diana was patron during the fundraising phase, and the King took on the role in 2001.

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