ROYAL SMILE
The Duchess of Cambridge smiles during a visit to Evelina Children’s Hospital in London. The Duke and Duchess met a number of children receiving care at the hospital, and heard from staff and parents about Evelina London’s care and support for families.
IT IS a charity a century and a half old, but its history was lost on the young patients who can now count the Duchess of Cambridge as their patron.
Kate and William were greeted at Evelina London Children’s Hospital by six-year-old Tiana Hayles, who handed over a bunch of posies.
The charity’s 150th anniversary next year is being celebrated by a piece of specially commissioned children’s artwork, with which Kate lent a hand.
In a short speech, she said: “Thank you to everyone here, you do such an amazing job supporting children and their families both here and out in the community.”
The couple made their way through the hospital reception hall where they were greeted by families, children and staff.
They then met privately with families who use the hospital services regularly, and those who may have used them in the past.
Among them were Debbie Brown and her son, Cruz, four, whose kidneys do not function and has been attending Evelina since he was born.
Ms Brown said the couple were interested to hear how they had discovered that Cruz was unwell.
“They were excited about the slides,”, Ms Brown said, referring to the large helter skelter in the entrance hall.
“They’re saying its weird for a hospital to have all of those things in it, but I was telling them that when Cruz comes here, he doesn’t really want to leave.”
The Evelina is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, of which the Queen is patron, and treats children with complex and rare conditions from birth into adulthood.
Its director, Marian Ridley, said: “We are absolutely delighted and deeply honoured the Duchess of Cambridge has chosen to become our patron.”
Later, the couple travelled to the St Vincent’s Centre of the homeless charity The Passage to hear from frontline workers about the challenges relating to street homelessness, including drug addiction and mental health issues.
We are absolutely delighted and deeply honoured.
The director of Evelina London Children’s Hospital Marian Ridley.