Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has written a heartfelt message, inviting members of the public to join her in celebrating the life-changing work children’s hospices do, this Children’s Hospice Week.
Led across the UK by Together for Short Lives, the charity for children’s palliative care, Children’s Hospice Week is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness of children’s hospice services. The special week runs until Sunday, 22nd June.
Her Royal Highness is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales. In her personal message, she speaks of the difference hospice care and support makes to families at unimaginably difficult times.
She wrote: “No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.
“Being able to access the support of one of the UK’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.
“As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices.
“Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.
“This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.”
The Princess became EACH’s Royal Patron in January 2012 and Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in January 2025.
Through Children’s Hospice Week, Together for Short Lives unites these vital services to celebrate the incredible work they do for seriously ill children and their families.
Kevin Clements, Chief Executive of EACH, said: “We’re so incredibly grateful for The Princess’ invaluable contribution as our dedicated Royal Patron.
“Her ongoing support and vast profile have projected our charity onto the global stage and this latest message is a perfect way to mark Children’s Hospice Week.
“It’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the work of children’s hospices generally, as well as giving us an opportunity to raise awareness and remind everyone of the need for public support, given we rely on donations for the majority of our income.”
Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Princess of Wales for celebrating Children’s Hospice Week, and the amazing work of children’s hospices, with her personal message of support this year.
“Her ongoing support for Children’s Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children’s hospices do, every day of the year. Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that’s for years, months or only hours.
“Together with all of our children’s hospices, we thank The Princess of Wales for her invaluable contribution.”
Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, said: “We are deeply grateful to The Princess of Wales, Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, for her incredible support.
“Her Royal Highness is clearly profoundly committed to the needs of children and young people, and in January, during her first visit to our hospice as our Patron, her kindness and empathy were evident.
“Having HRH’s support during Children’s Hospice Week means that not only can we take time to celebrate the difference that children’s hospices, including Tŷ Hafan, have made to the lives of so many families, but that we can also remind people of the importance of supporting their local children’s hospice so that no family has to live their child’s short life alone.”
To see and read the Princess’ signed letter, head here.
