The Princess of Wales Makes First Visit to Wales Since Cancer Diagnosis

Two engagements for Catherine based around hospice care and textile manufacturing

The Princess of Wales has made her first visit to Wales since her cancer diagnosis last year, with her last visit being in October 2023.

Catherine carried out two key engagements, both reflecting causes that are particularly meaningful to her — hospice care and textile manufacturing. The visits come just weeks after she toured The Royal Marsden Hospital, where she later shared the uplifting news that she is in remission from cancer in a heartfelt statement.

The Princess of Wales Visits South Wales

The Princess of Wales during a will visit to Tŷ Hafan. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

For her first engagement, The Princess visited Tŷ Hafan, a children’s hospice in Sully, near Cardiff, which provides care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. In a special announcement upon her arrival, it was revealed that Catherine has become the new Patron of Tŷ Hafan, taking on a role previously held by both King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales.

During her visit, Catherine spent time with children receiving care at the hospice, as well as their families. She participated in a ‘stay and play’ session, where children engaged in creative and sensory activities tailored to their needs. The Princess also joined in on an arts and crafts session, painting alongside the children.

The Princess of Wales during a will visit to Tŷ Hafan

The Princess speaking to staff who work are hospice. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

In one touching moment, Catherine spoke with a young girl who uses a wheelchair and asked, “What do you like doing when you’re here?” The little girl excitedly responded that she enjoyed music. The Princess then asked, “Have you played any of the instruments?” before picking up a rattle and giving it a gentle shake. The young girl then delightedly demonstrated her musical talent by playing a xylophone.

Understanding the crucial role Tŷ Hafan plays not only in children’s lives but also in supporting families, The Princess also met with bereaved families, listening to their experiences and learning about how the hospice continues to provide care and comfort even after the loss of a child.

The Princess of Wales Visits South Wales

Her Royal Highness got stuck in some arts and crafts. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

Speaking about Catherine becoming Patron of the hospice, Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, remarked ‘we are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Tŷ 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. No parent ever imagines that their child’s life will be short. Sadly this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can’t stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child’s short life alone’.

The Princess of Wales Visits South Wales

The Princess of Wales during a visit to Corgi, a textiles manufacturer in Wales, focused on the production of socks and knitwear.(Picture by Michael Hall / Kensington Palace)

The Princess then made a 60-mile trip to her next location – Corgi, a textiles manufacturer focused on the production of socks and knitwear. The company was created in 1892 to supply socks to miners in Amman Valley and has since expanded into creating knitwear. Corgi was awarded a Royal Warrant from The King last year.

Catherine has been passionate about the importance of the textiles industry, with her paternal ancestors the owners of the woollen manufacturer and merchant, William Lupton & Co, in Leeds. In September 2023, she visited the textiles manufacturers in Leeds and Lancaster where she learnt more about the heritage, history and innovation of the industry.

The Princess spent time with the team on the factory floor. (Picture by Michael Hall / Kensington Palace)

Today’s visit saw The Princess spend time with the design team, where she heard more about the company’s creative and design process, including how they work in partnership with world-leading brands on collaborative lines.

Her Royal Highness then went out onto the factory floor and met members of the production team, heard about their work and viewed some of the technical processes in action.

The Princess heard all about the design process. (Picture by Michael Hall / Kensington Palace)

Shauna Kinsey, who met the Princess at her workstation, said that she showed HRH how to link the toe onto the sock, adding ‘she was really lovely and I was instantly put at ease. I only found out I’d be meeting her today. It was an amazing experience today and it will always be a story I can tell people’.

Catherine also met members of leadership team including, Huw Jones, who used to run Corgi in the 1970s and 80s prior to handing the business over to his children. Jones remarked on today’s Royal visit, saying ‘it’s brilliant, especially for the staff. It’s a bit of excitement and recognition of what they do and the quality. There’s not many businesses making stuff in the UK.’

Share this

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.