The Duchess of Cambridge has visited East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ Treehouse in Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Duchess of Cambridge talks with a child who cared for at EACH's Treehouse hospiceThe Duchess of Cambridge talks with a child who cared for at EACH's Treehouse hospice (Image: The Royal Foundation)

She visited the hospice, of which she is patron, as part of Children’s Hospice Week (June 13-20).

During the visit the Duchess met with children being cared for at the hospice and also spoke to volunteers who work there.

Children’s Hospice Week is the UK’s only awareness raising and fundraising week for children with life-limiting conditions and the services, like children’s hospices, that support them.

The Duchess said being patron of EACH had allowed her to see just how important the work of hospices like the Treehouse is.

“Around the clock support is crucial for children receiving palliative care,” she said. “They and their families often need help every hour of every day, both in hospices and at home.

“As patron of EACH I have seen first-hand this remarkable and varied work and just how vital the support of staff and volunteers can be to the families of children with life limiting conditions.

“It has been wonderful to see the fantastic public support for Children’s Hospice Week over the last few days.

“Please continue supporting your local children’s hospice in whatever way you can.”

Graham Butland, chief executive of EACH, said: “As our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness has really helped put children’s hospice services in the UK at the forefront of people’s minds and allowed us to demonstrate the full and flexible range of services families can benefit from 24/7.

“The very active role The Duchess plays, both publicly and in private, is considerable and much appreciated by our staff, volunteers and of course the children, young people and families using our services.”