My passion to help sick children, by caring Kate

THE Duchess of Cambridge yesterday spoke of her passion for helping children as she became patron of a world-leading children’s hospital.

Parents of children with life-threatening illnesses said her dedication to the role would mean that staff at Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Westminster would “receive the recognition they deserve”.

The Duchess, wearing a green polka dot LK Bennett dress, met medical and support staff before chatting to parents and patients.

In a speech before unveiling a banner to commemorate the hospital’s 150th anniversary, Kate said: “The staff both here and outside in the community do such an amazing job – so well done to everybody.

“Early years is such a big part of that work I am really interested in and that’s really the main focus that you have here, supporting children at the earliest stages of their lives but also seeing them through to adulthood and supporting them in every way you can so it’s a real privilege to be part of this organisation.”

Hospital director Marian Ridley said: “We are delighted that the Duchess of Cambridge has agreed to become a patron of the hospital.

“She has spoken with passion and enthusiasm about the work we do here and we see it as a perfect alignment between her personal interests in the care of young children and young people’s development. This is very much a life commitment and I have been so impressed with both Kate and William.”