During a visit Evelina Children’s Hospital in London, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge revealed that Prince George was cooking up a storm at nursery on pancake day.
The Duchess was at the Ronald McDonald house at the children’s hospital to officially open the purpose-built accommodation for the families of young patients. It is located in Lambeth, just five-minutes from the children’s hospital.
With kitchens, playrooms and lounges, the new 59-bedroom facility offers comfort, support, and a safe environment where families can share their experiences, and stay free of charge for as long as they need, while their child is cared for; up to 975 families are expected to use it each year.
Ronal McDonald currently has 14 similar houses across the UK, helping support over 7,000 families a year and keeping them together at a stressful time so that they can concentrate on the wellbeing of their child.
For example, Jack Sneddon was born in November in Glasgow with half a heart, and at only four-months-old, he has had open heart surgery twice. His mother has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House since he was born.
Dion Mifsud and Danielle Debono, whose eight-month-old daughter Mia has had both kidneys removed, spoke to Catherine. She told them: “For any family having a baby is a life-changing moment, but for you having to go through all that as well is extraordinary.”
Dion plans to donate a kidney to his daughter when she’s strong enough for the surgery. Mia currently spends 12 hours on dialysis each day.
Kate has supported children’s palliative care for a number of years, and this is an extension of this work. She was given a tour of the facility, to see just how homely it was for families in distress.
4-year-old James Wheeler – whose brother was born unexpectedly at 23-weeks and is in intensive care – asked the Royal guest: “Where’s George today?”
“George? I should have brought him,” the Duchess said. “He’s at his nursery today making pancakes.”
Rebecca Bridges-Wheeler, James’ mum, explained that Catherine showed much sympathy as she shared her story: “I got a bit emotional talking to Kate. It sometimes just rises up.”
“She stopped talking and let me compose myself. You could see the sympathy in her eyes. She was so warm and down-to-earth.”
Prince George is due to start primary school in London this autumn, likely Wetherby Preparatory School, the same his father and uncle attended. Prince William is ending his contract as an air-ambulance pilot to focus more on Royal duties and supporting The Queen.