Princess posts praise for caring hospices 'lifting spirits'

> The Princess of Wales, pictured earlier this week at the Order of the Garter service, has praised the work of the UK's children's hospices

- TONY JONES

THE Princess of Wales has praised the “life-changing work” of the UK’s children’s hospices, just a few days after pulling out of Royal Ascot.

Kate, who is patron of Ty Hafan Children's Hospice in Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, yesterday paid tribute to the support provided by the 54 institutions that specialise in caring for society's youngest at the end of their lives and “lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play”.

In a surprise move on Wednesday, the princess missed Royal Ascot for the second successive year.

Since announcing in January she is in remission, the princess has been gradually returning to public duties. Her appearances have increased in recent weeks, including three high-profile events - Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service, and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London.

It is understood Kate is trying to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements that have featured an element of flexibility since her cancer diagnosis.