Kate Middleton makes first trip to Wales in 2025 as special new patronage is announced
The Princess of Wales has travelled to Wales for the first time this year as she was announced the Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice


The Princess of Wales has visited Wales for the first time in 2025 as it was announced that she has taken on a special new patronage.
As a working member of the Royal Family, Kate is Patron to a number of important organisations and charities and she is proud to now have become the Patron of Tŷ Hafan, the first children’s hospice in Wales. Tŷ Hafan first opened in 1999 and continues to provide exceptional specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions. Based in Sully, they offer vital support to children and their families and the Princess visited the hospice on 30th January.
During her time at Tŷ Hafan, Kate spent time with children, families and members of staff. Her Royal Highness’s visit was welcomed by Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, who said they are "deeply honoured" to have Kate as their Patron.
"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," Irfon declared. "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."
He continued, "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 special visit to the hospice, Kate took part in a "stay and play" session where children enjoy meaningful play and activities alongside their care. She also met with bereaved families who Tŷ Hafan supported throughout their children’s lives, deaths and beyond.
To conclude her time there, the Princess of Wales also helped others with handprint painting and had her own taken for a particularly heartfelt reason. As revealed on the Tŷ Hafan website, hers will join the handprints of the hundreds of children with life-shortening conditions and their families who’ve been supported by the hospice to date.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
This was an incredibly meaningful and moving engagement for the Princess of Wales and her late mother-in-law Princess Diana was once patron of Tŷ Hafan. Later on in the day she paid a visit to Corgi, a family run textiles manufacturer. They specialise in the production of socks and knitwear and she spent time with the design team and went out on to the factory floor where she met members of the production team and even tried out some of the machines herself.
As someone who often wears the best British clothing brands, Kate was likely thrilled to be able to learn more about Corgi, who are "committed to quality and its heritage" and are inspired by Wales and its landscape. For this particular engagement she re-wore an old favourite houndstooth dress by Zara with heeled Russell & Bromley pumps.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Revelatory Biography of the Future Queen by Robert Jobson | Was £22, Now £7 at Amazon
This biography of the Princess of Wales explores how Kate became the woman she is today and delves beyond the headlines. Author Robert Jobson spoke to sources on and off the record to paint a fascinating portrait of the future Queen.
Prince William and Kate lived in Anglesey off the North West coast of Wales before relocating to Kensington Palace in 2013. A Palace statement released in 2022 spoke of the couple’s "deep affection" for Wales and expressed their desire to spend more time there.
"The prince and princess have a deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey, and have thoroughly enjoyed previous visits and the warmth and kindness shown by the Welsh people," it stated. "Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to spending more time in Wales over the coming months and years, taking the time to strengthen their relationship with communities in all parts of Wales."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Considering a summer hair refresh? Demi Moore’s chic bob transformation is all the inspiration you need to book that salon appointment
Chop, chop, it's time to take a trip to the salon
By Sennen Prickett
-
Helen Mirren just embraced Cartier's signature colour on her lips - and this easy trick will make it less intimidating to replicate
When in doubt, do as Helen Mirren does and steer clear of matte formulas...
By Naomi Jamieson
-
I’ve been writing about the royals for years - here’s what I predict Kate Middleton will wear at Easter (and what I wish she’d wear instead)
All eyes will be on the Princess of Wales if she attends the Royal Family's Easter Sunday church service for the first time since 2023
By Emma Shacklock
-
Remember when Prince William and Kate Middleton broke royal protocol at Easter? Here's why it's unlikely to happen again
The Royal Family might be taking a more modern approach these days, but there are some traditions and protocols that they still uphold.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton's go-to bag for special occasions is a wedding season essential you'll reach for time and time again
The Princess of Wales always reaches for the same elegant style of bag for formal events and it works beautifully for weddings.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton declares baker boy hats back for 2025 in new Love Actually-esque outfit
The Princess of Wales's signature style is all about timelessness but that doesn’t mean that she never gets on board with trends.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Prince George will start a new school this year and 'smart money' is on Kate and William choosing this one, says royal expert
Prince George only has just over a year left at Lambrook School and Emily Andrews believes there's a top contender for his next one.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Queen Camilla takes note of Kate Middleton's love of polka dots with charming collared number in Rome
If we had to pick the Princess of Wales’s favourite print it would be polka dots and Queen Camilla just emulated her style in Rome.
By Emma Shacklock
-
James Middleton says he 'had three mothers growing up' as he opens up on close-knit family bond
The Princess of Wales’s brother had several 'mothering figures' during his childhood and was 'fortunate' to have this tightknit support system.
By Emma Shacklock
-
What earrings does Kate Middleton wear? The affordable brands she loves and where to buy her pieces
The Princess of Wales gravitates towards certain brands for her everyday earrings and many of them are still available right now.
By Emma Shacklock