The Princess of Wales shared a warm and touching moment with a young patient today after he asked whether she was “the Queen” during a visit to a London children’s hospital.
“Are you the Queen?” asked 10-year-old cardiac patient Ejran, prompting Catherine to smile and reply: “No, I’m the Princess of Wales.”
The exchange was one of several uplifting moments during the future Queen’s low-key visit to Evelina London Children’s Hospital, which provides specialist care for some of the capital’s most seriously ill young patients.
Ejran, described as “brave,” has been receiving treatment at the Westminster-area hospital. When Catherine asked whether he had “made some nice friends” and he shook his head, she offered gentle reassurance, telling him: “Maybe they haven’t come along yet.”
The Princess also thanked Ejran for waiting so patiently to meet her, while she blew kisses and accepted flowers during the emotional hospital visit.
Catherine, the wife of Prince William, arrived at the medical facility looking elegant in a flowing cream dress by Suzannah London.
The refined midi dress features pin-tuck detailing at the waist, black buttons and a coordinating belt. The Princess previously wore the same piece to a memorial service marking the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire.
She finished the look with black slingback heels and wore her bronde hair styled in soft, loose waves.
Today’s low-key visit to the hospital, where the future Queen has been patron since 2018, will highlight its work to become London’s most comprehensive, integrated children’s hospital.
The Princess of Wales raised smiles today as she visited the London-based Evelina Children’s Hospital that works to help some of the capital’s sickest youngsters
Catherine accepted a bouquet of roses from five-year-old Amelie during today’s visit
Catherine blowing a kiss at a young patient at the Westminster facility
‘Are you the Queen?’ 10-year-old cardiac patient Ejran queried, before Catherine replied: ‘No, I’m the Princess of Wales’ during a sweet moment
Today’s low-key visit to the hospital, where the future Queen has been patron since 2018, will highlight its work to become London’s most comprehensive, integrated children’s hospital.
Plans are underway for a new building in the next ten years, complete with additional scanners, beds and theatres alongside state-of-the-art technology.
And it is hoped the princess’s visit will raise awareness of the Evelina London Children’s Charity’s efforts to raise £100 million towards the project.
During the engagement, Catherine visited Edward Ward, a new cardiac centre at St Thomas’ Hospital, which the Evelina is part of, where she met children being treated in what has been designed as a welcoming and friendly environment.
She then joined young patients and their families at Galaxy Ward, a brand-new outpatients unit with the Children’s Day Centre, where they can have face-to face heart clinic appointments, including diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, assessments and ongoing care for children and young people with a cardiac condition.
Her last stop was to meet members of the children’s cancer programme team who are working together to plan for the move of a specialist cancer and blood and marrow transplant service.
The future Children’s Cancer Principal Treatment Centre located at Evelina will bring together teams from across London and south east England and allow children with cancer to access all the specialist services they need in one place.
It comes after the princess released heartwarming new pictures of herself with her family – including her husband, children, parents and brother – after completing the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Catherine smelling the roses that Amelie sweetly brought for her
Catherine, Princess of Wales, speaks to members of the staff as she visits Evelina London Children’s Hospital
During today’s visit, Catherine spoke to parents of children who have been treated at Evelina
Catherine waving at royal well-wishers as she visited the Westminster facility
Catherine met Arjun and his family at the Edward ward today
The future Queen seemingly bonded with Arjun as Catherine placed a gentle arm on the young boy’s shoulder
Catherine was resplendent in a cream dress from Suzannah London
Catherine has been a patron of the Evelina hospital since 2018
During a visit to Evelina’s new cardiac ward, Catherine chatted with 14-year-old Hope
The future Queen at Evelina Children’s Hospital as she warmly greeted patients and staff
Today’s low-key visit to the hospital, where the future Queen has been patron since 2018, will highlight its work to become London’s most comprehensive, integrated children’s hospital
Catherine looked the part in a heartwarming post uploaded to Instagram as she was seen sporting a pair of red shorts and a baseball cap, surrounded by those closest to her.
She captioned the images: ‘This time last week, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge. A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.’
All three of her children were out in full force to show their support – with Charlotte, George and Louis each wearing their own practical pair of blue jeans as they smiled for the camera.
Also tagging along for parts of the hike was James Middleton, Kate’s younger brother who famously endured his own health difficulties after being treated for severe depression that left him contemplating suicide.
Posting to Instagram this evening, James said he was ‘so incredibly proud’ of his ‘darling sister’.
He added: ‘Two years ago, I told you we’d climb this mountain together. We talked about climbing mountains while you were in hospital, and about the incredible healing power that nature can have for both the body and the mind. So it was such an honour to join you for your Three Peaks Challenge for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
‘Seeing how far you’ve come is nothing short of inspiring. Your strength, resilience, and determination, all while being the most amazing mother, wife, daughter, and sister, inspire me and so many others every single day.
‘Keep being exactly who you are.’
The Three Peaks Challenge sees participants attempt to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours: Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and the UK, standing at 4,413ft; Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, standing at 3,209ft and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales, standing at 3,560ft.
The princess was driven between the peaks – Scotland, then England and finally Wales – by her team. It is not believed that any other member of the Royal Family has completed the Three Peaks Challenge, also making the princess’s triumph a royal first.
