Princess Kate issues new statement paying tribute to 'shining light' during 'darkest times'

The Princess of Wales likened children’s hospices to a "shining light" for families during their "darkest times."

Kate said: "With 99,000 seriously ill children across the country, children's hospices work tirelessly to provide life-changing care to families with the aim of making unbelievably difficult situations that little bit easier.

“As patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, I have been privileged to see first-hand the incredible way hospices help families and allow children to be children.

“During Children's Hospice Week, all hospices will be doing what they do day in day out - delivering vital specialist care, and whether that is by helping to facilitate a day at the beach for children to feel the sand between their toes, engaging young people in therapeutic music activities, or having a fun painting session to create special moments and memories, the teams supporting these families regularly go above and beyond to make a difference to their lives, no matter how long or short they may be.

“On behalf of parents and carers across the country, I would like to say a huge thank you to all those working in children's hospices.

“You are a shining light to so many families in their darkest times and your efforts do not go unnoticed."

Kate concluded: “This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you'll join me in celebrating the truly extraordinary teamwork that goes into providing this incredible care.”

Children's Hospice Week runs from June 19 to June 25, and is organised by Together for Short Lives, the UK charity for seriously ill children and families.

Phil Gormley, Each chief executive, said: "We are so grateful for the princess' invaluable contribution as royal patron.

"Her work, visits and profile have projected our charity - as well as the importance of children's hospice services generally - onto the global stage and for that we are truly thankful."

The Princess of Wales attended Trooping of the Colour on Saturday.

Kate was spotted lovingly fixing Prince Louis’s tie in an adorable moment caught on camera.

Climbing into the a horse-drawn carriage, Kate urged Louis to sit upright before then tightening his tie.

The sight of a monarch riding throughout Trooping the Colour had not happened since 1986 when the Queen rode her charger Burmese for the final time.

The Princess of Wales previously visited visited Riversley Park Children's Centre in Nuneaton, where Kate was interrupted by a burp.

David Stanton, a body language expert, said that the Princess of Wales has shown she is "not precious" about her position in the Royal Family but is rather "prepared to get her hands dirty" during Royal Family engagements.

Stanton’s comments came after the royal took part in some rugby drills wearing an England jersey in her capacity as the patron of the Rugby Football Union.