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The Princess of Wales swapped her usual elegant royal attire for a hard hat and high-visibility jacket during a visit to East Anglian Children’s Hospices (EACH) on Thursday, where she inspected progress on an ambitious expansion project at The Treehouse hospice.
Catherine, who has served as a patron of the children’s hospice charity for many years, travelled to see how construction work is progressing and learn more about the improvements being made to its facilities.
The extensive redevelopment will introduce a new hydrotherapy pool, a dedicated wellbeing and therapy suite, an enlarged activity area for children receiving care, and a specially designed space for teenagers.
Plans also include an additional bedroom, alongside expanded kitchen and dining areas, helping the hospice accommodate families more comfortably while continuing to provide essential care and support.
The visit held particular significance for the Princess, who officially opened The Treehouse in March 2012 and has maintained a longstanding connection with the organisation ever since.
Located in Ipswich, the hospice currently provides a range of specialist facilities, including five bedrooms for children, accommodation for their families, a sensory room, a hydrotherapy pool and a music studio.
Its outdoor spaces feature a sensory garden, woodland walking routes and play areas equipped with specialist facilities designed to meet the needs of children with different abilities.
Approximately 185 children, young people and family members are currently benefiting from the care and assistance provided by The Treehouse.
During her visit, Catherine viewed the ongoing building work, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2028.
She also received an update on EACH’s fundraising efforts, which are helping to finance both the redevelopment project and the charity’s essential everyday services for children and their families.
As part of her visit to The Treehouse, the Princess of Wales spent time with children and families who rely on the hospice’s specialist services, gaining a closer understanding of the care and emotional support available to them.
Catherine also learned more about the creative therapies offered by the charity, including music therapy and sensory activities, which help children explore their surroundings, communicate and enjoy meaningful experiences.
The planned expansion will provide additional spaces where children and young people can take part in activities, discover new interests, express their personalities and develop friendships.
For parents and other family members, the improved facilities will offer welcoming environments where they can relax, enjoy precious moments together and connect with others facing similar circumstances.
At the heart of EACH’s work is a commitment to helping babies, children and young people experience the highest possible quality of life, regardless of the challenges they face.
The charity recognises that families want their children to enjoy the same opportunities as others, whether that means making friends, having fun, spending time with loved ones or simply experiencing the pleasures of childhood.
EACH believes that children receiving hospice care should have every possible opportunity to flourish and enjoy fulfilling experiences alongside the specialist support they need.
Children’s hospices have remained an important focus of Catherine’s charitable work since the beginning of her royal life.
Earlier this year, the Princess reinforced that longstanding commitment by issuing a statement acknowledging the essential contribution made by organisations such as EACH and the difference their services make to children and families.
The Princess of Wales previously highlighted the importance of children’s hospice care in a heartfelt message released during Children’s Hospice Week in June.
Her statement acknowledged the work of both East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, two organisations she supports as patron.
Drawing on her personal experiences of visiting these charities, Catherine emphasised the importance of creating happy memories, providing emotional support and ensuring that seriously ill children have opportunities to enjoy their childhood.
She said:
“Every childhood deserves to be rich in joy, love, and shared memories. As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, I have been privileged to see first‑hand how children’s hospices make this possible for babies, children and young people living with serious illness.
“Children’s hospices are joyful and nurturing environments where children can simply be children; to play, explore, express themselves and connect with others.
“For families, hospices offer a compassionate and restorative space to breathe, be together, and find strength in a community that understands their journey. This expert, holistic care is delivered by dedicated professionals who walk alongside families at every stage, often over many years, throughout a young person’s life and, when needed, into death and bereavement.
“Children’s hospices are places that protect connection; between children and their families, between families and their communities, between hospice staff and the people they support, and within each child’s own sense of self.”
