Kate Middleton made a poignant message to children's hospices after unexpectedly missing Royal Ascot earlier in the week.

Princess Kate has released a heartfelt message to commemorate Children's Hospice Week, drawing on her experience as the Royal Patron of two leading hospices. The Princess of Wales serves as patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices and became Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales earlier this year.

Princess Kate, who is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, has marked this year's Children's Hospice Week, which is taking place from June 16 until June 22.