The Duchess of Gloucester has marked this year’s Hospice Care Week, which took place last week.
The annual awareness event takes place between 10-14th October and is an annual celebration to raise awareness of the important role of hospice care nationwide.
The Duchess of Gloucester marked Hospice Care Week 2022. (Royal Family)
At the Abbey Wood based hospice, The Duchess of Gloucester took the opportunity to thank staff for their commitment to the hospice, speaking to some of the specialist doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and rehabilitation staff who provide expert, around-the-clock care to 3,000 patients every year.
Birgitte also spoke to patients on the inpatient ward and their families and heard their stories about the care and support they have received from the hospice team.
HRH visited Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. (Royal Family)
Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice is a local charity dedicated to providing free, high-quality palliative care and support to local people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, their families and professional carers.
During the visit, the Duchess planted a tree in the hospice’s grounds in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II as part of The Queen’s Canopy Project, which aims to improve our shared environment by planting trees across the globe.
Following the death of Her Majesty, it was The King’s wishes that The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative was to be extended until the end of March 2023, to allow people the opportunity to plant trees in memory to honour Her Majesty.
HRH planted a tree for The Queen’s Green Canopy. (Royal Family)
The initiative was created to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and was due to end in December 2022. The extension will build on the initial legacy of the initiative and serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to her country and her people.
This marked the Duchess’ first engagement since the passing of the Queen. She was the Queen’s cousin-in-law, her husband being The Duke of Gloucester, another grandchild of George V’s.
