The Princess of Wales has issued a message to mark the 20th anniversary for one of her Patronages, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, of which she has held the role since 2018.
Over the years, Catherine has made a number of public and private visits. Her most recent visit to the Hospital was in December 2023, where she opened the facility’s brand-new day surgery unit.
Catherine’s message read: ‘Over the past two decades, this extraordinary space has enabled Evelina London to care for nearly three times as many children and young people as when it first opened. It is a place that symbolises love, healing and hope and has had such an impact on countless lives.’
Reflecting on her previous visits, The Princess notes how ‘the building’s bright, welcoming spaces and wonderful light-filled atrium ensure children feel safe, supported and nurtured as they face whatever challenges lie ahead’.
‘What makes this building so special is the remarkable staff, whose compassion and expertise shine through in every corner of the hospital, and create an environment where families feel cared for and uplifted’.
Catherine’s concluding message looks to the future of the charity to which she is ‘filled with hope’,
‘As it continues to grow, even more children will benefit from the world-class care that defines Evelina, a place where healing begins with connection, and every child is cherished’.
Gubby Ayida, Chief Executive of Evelina London Women’s and Children’s Clinical Group, said: ‘Evelina London Children’s Hospital is a beacon of hope, compassion and excellence for thousands of babies, children, young people and their families. Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen extraordinary advances in children’s medicine, but what has remained constant is our unwavering commitment to putting children and families at the heart of everything we do. This milestone is a celebration of our staff, our patients, and the community that supports us.’
