Catherine, Princess of Wales takes her first royal 'away day' since November 2023

Catherine, Princess of Wales has visited a children's hospice in her new role as patron of the facility.

The 43-year-old royal - who has been making a slow return to public duties after receiving undergoing abdominal surgery and chemotherapy last year - marked her first 'away day' outside of London since November 2023 with a visit to Ty Hafan in South Wales on Thursday (30.01.25), where she met with staff, young children and their families.

Catherine - who has three children with husband Prince William - spent time with children in the soft play area and played musical instruments with some.

According to MailOnline, she was overheard discussing " challenging times" as she spoke to parents about the care their children had received at the hospice.

To mark her new patronage, Kensington Palace arranged for a donation of musical instruments for the facility to help it carry out more music therapy sessions.

Catherine follows in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, who was patron during its fundraising stage before King Charles, then Prince of Wales, took on the patronage in 2001, two years after it opened.

Chief executive Irfon Rees, its chief executive, said Catherine would be “an inspiration” to both the children and their families in the hospice's care.

He said: “We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales has become patron of Ty 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."

As part of her day in Wales, Catherine is also scheduled to attend a second engagement celebrating excellence in Welsh textile manufacturing, with Kensington Palace explaining both appointments are themes "close to the Princess' heart".