PRINTS & PRINCESS

Kate joins kids for crafts and music fun | Praises lifeline for youngsters' families

- RUSSELL MYERS

THE Princess of Wales has followed in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by becoming patron of a children's hospice.

Kate spent time with young people receiving care at Ty Hafan children's hospice near Cardiff by joining a crafts session with poorly children and their families.

Royal sources said in her first trip to Wales since her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment, the princess had been keen to make a personal visit to the centre, which translates from Welsh to Haven House in English. She spoke to staff about how they offer free care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families at the first children's hospice in Wales.

The youngsters she met included courageous Felix, 12, of Llantwit Major, who has a progressive condition called Miller-Dieker syndrome and is non verbal and non mobile.