Princess Kate Trades Her Tiara for a Hard Hat While Visiting Children's Hospice
The Princess of Wales made a poignant trip to The Treehouse children’s hospice following her recent state banquet appearance.
Princess Kate delivered royal glamour in a new Elie Saab gown and Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara at a state banquet on October 20, but two days later, she traded her dress for a trouser suit and high-visibility vest as she visited East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The Princess of Wales serves as royal patron of EACH, where she delivered her first public speech in 2012, and she visited its Treehouse children’s hospice on Thursday, October 22, to meet patients and see the construction underway for its expansion.
The hospice, which serves young people and their families with life-limiting diseases, is building a larger space including a hydrotherapy pool, a dedicated area for teenagers, more therapy suites, a larger kitchen and dining space and an extra bedroom.
The Princess of Wales viewed the construction progress on the hospice's expansion on October 22.
Princess Kate views a music therapy session at the hospice.
Construction on the facility is due to be completed in 2028, and Kevin Clements, chief executive of EACH, told People that Kate "was pleased to see we are in a position where we are now able to expand the hospice."
"She obviously has a special connection with us and particularly at the Treehouse, that was clear," he added.
The princess also took part in sensory play and music therapy sessions, visiting a special light sensory room and watching children like Charlotte Freegard sing and play the piano.
The princess engages in a sensory activity with children.
After leaving The Treehouse, Princess Kate traveled roughly an hour away to Wroxham, where EACH operates the nonprofit Café 98. Profits from the café and shop, which opened in 2024, support EACH's fundraising operation while also providing a community hub for residents.
The Princess of Wales's appearance Thursday follows a busy week for the Royal Family. Kate joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William to welcome the sultan of Oman on Tuesday afternoon, taking part in an official ceremony at Windsor Castle and attending a glamorous state dinner that evening. Yesterday, the princess stayed home while the Prince of Wales joined his father and stepmother for a poignant visit to Aberfan, Wales, but Kate's signature was present on a wreath William laid in honor of the victims of the village's devastating mining tragedy 60 years ago.
