Yahoo Finance Future Queens Kate Middleton and Camilla Show Their Support for Families with Vulnerable Children
TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are raising awareness for Children's Hospice Week following an "especially tough and frightening" year for families with vulnerable kids.
Kate, the royal patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), asked everyone to join her "in thanking the U.K.'s 54 children's hospices and their incredible staff for the life-changing care they provide" in a letter to mark the week.
"The last year has been a difficult one for everyone, and especially tough and frightening for families with seriously ill children," she said. "Many started shielding long before others, worrying about the pandemic and what it might mean for their child."
The theme for this year's Children's Hospice Week is "Pushed to the Limits," recognizing how hard the past year has been for these families.
"Children's hospices are a lifeline, and I have been privileged to see first-hand the remarkable work they do," Kate, 39, continued. "They give families the care and time they need to make treasured lifelong memories - the chance to be parents, not carers. Vitally, they are also there when it is time to say goodbye, making sure a family has privacy and dignity so they can grieve together, and are able to receive support for as long as they need it."
At the start of #ChildrensHospiceWeek, The Duchess of Cornwall has sent a message to families being supported by hospices, and the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make their lives more comfortable. pic.twitter.com/GkXdCkXaoX
— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) June 21, 2021
Camilla, 73, also shared a message of support to mark the week and praise caregivers. Both Camilla and Prince Charles, 72, are patrons of children's hospice charities, including Tŷ Hafan, Helen & Douglas House, Children's HospiceSW and the Roald Dahl Charity.
"Once again, it is Children's Hospice Week, so I wanted to send a message to all the families across the country who are caring for terminally ill babies, children and young people," Camilla said. "You face enormous, heart-breaking challenges and you are much in my thoughts and prayers."
Paul Grover - WPA Pool/Getty Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
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She continued, "I also wanted to thank the brilliant staff and volunteers who work wonders to help short lives to be lived to the full, creating precious memories and providing comfort and support to all those who come through your doors."