Ahead of a sparkling appearance later this evening for tonight's annual Diplomatic Reception (yes, dear readers, expect tiara sightings to circulate around 8 p.m.), the Princess of Wales stepped out to officially open Evelina London's new Children’s Day Surgery Unit.
The Princess became patron of Evelina back in 2018. The royal support came amid a year of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary. Since then, Kate's made several visits.
The Princess was greeted upon arrival.
Founded in 1869 as Evelina Hospital for Sick Children by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, whose wife, Evelina, died along with their baby in childbirth. Today, Evelina London cares for children and young people from before birth, throughout childhood and into adulthood. The hospital provides a range of services to children across south London and south east England. Evelina London also provides community services for children and their families in Lambeth and Southwark.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "The new facility will transform care for children and young people who need surgery by providing everything they need in one place, delivering a family-focused experience which will enable the organisation to treat up to an additional 2,300 children a year. Housed in the state-of-the-art Children’s Day Treatment Centre, the unit has two brand new operating theatres. Families will benefit from a one-day service, with pre-surgery checks, the operation, and recovery all taking place seamlessly in one purposely designed space, on the same day".
The Princess enjoyed a tour of the facility and met inspiring children and their families.
The Princess of Wales, patron of Evelina Children’s Hospital in London, arriving to open the new Children’s Day Surgical Unit! pic.twitter.com/Eow8eNL2EJ
— Royally Christy (@CambridgeAwe) December 5, 2023
Kate participated in a festive arts session.
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“I was a bit anxious but she was really lovely, really down to earth,” said staff member Alice Green, who works in admissions and the front desk. “She asked us about ourselves and how long we have been working here. She also said things like how we are the face of Evelina Children’s and how we are the first point of contact for people. She wished us a Merry Christmas…I actually thought it would be a bit more formal, but it was actually really comfortable and it was really easy speaking to her.”
The staff member recalled a conversation the Princess had with one of the children who had designed artwork that adorns the new centre. “She was really talking to [the children]. One of the children designed the artwork that’s inside the Evelina, there’s quite a lot of artwork around. The child told her about her back story, how her dad passed away a couple of years ago. Kate was just saying how it was really lovely that she’s now helping other people despite everything that she’s been through.”
One young girl was very emotional during her conversation with Kate. The Princess comforted her with a hug.
The Princess was delighted to cut the ribbon with nine-year-old Ella Moth and ten-year-old Chloe Morley.
Evelina London shared: "Chloe, from Eltham in south east London, was the first patient to be treated in the new unit in the summer when she had her tonsils and adenoids removed. Ella had previously won a competition held by Evelina London to submit space-themed designs to inspire the interiors. She designed an astronaut school which now features in the main entrance of the unit, inspired by her father, Piers, who was treated for brain cancer at Guy's Hospital before he died in 2021".
We were thrilled to be joined by our Royal Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales, to officially open our Children's Day Surgery Unit.
— Evelina London (@EvelinaLondon) December 5, 2023
After a tour, HRH spent time with staff and patients to hear about our brilliant new space-themed facility: https://t.co/qciyZjLrct pic.twitter.com/9RV4h0hLlL
Kate was given a beautiful posy of flowers by eleven-year-old Burac Abrahams who was the unit's second patient in July when he had his tonsils removed.
Gubby Ayida, Chief Executive of Evelina London, said: "We were thrilled to be joined by our Royal Patron, The Princess of Wales, to officially open our Children's Day Surgery Unit. We put children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do, and you especially feel that when coming into our new unit. It was lovely to have this recognised with The Princess of Wales today, who values the importance of having a supported and nurturing environment for children through her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood."
James O'Brien, Director of Operations and Improvement at Evelina London Children's Hospital and project sponsor, added: "Creating this vital new service has been a huge undertaking and I'd like to thank everyone involved in getting to this momentous milestone. Our new unit is out of this world and will help us to continue providing outstanding healthcare for even more children and young people, meeting their needs now and in the future."
The Princess chose a custom made blue tailored trouser suit by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. As previously discussed, I believe we'll see Kate continue to wear Burton designs rather than continuing with the McQueen brand with a new creative leader at the helm. The fashion world is watching Burton's next move, it's going to be very interesting to follow the next phase of her career. Whatever path the amazingly talented designer takes, I do expect we'll see her fashion relationship with Kate continuing.
Several eagle-eyed watchers on Twitter believe Kate wore her Jigsaw 'Katherine' sweater underneath. Below, the Princess wearing the piece in Canada in 2016.
Kate sported her navy suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
And her diamond and sapphire earrings and pendant.
I'll see in just a few hours for the Diplomatic Reception :)
She is wearing one of my favorite colors so I like the look. At times it seems like too much, but she matches Ms Gubby Ayida, whose look is stellar!!
ReplyDeleteToday Kate is a "working girl" !😀 It's a color that suits her well. I love her hairstyle. I don't recognize his pendant though.
ReplyDeleteShe has worn the pendant previously. Love that it's real diamonds and sapphires - not costume!
DeleteCatherine has worn this sapphire and diamond pendant several times. In June 2022 to Trooping, in July 2022 at Wimbledon Men, March 2022 in Belize, March 2022 to Commonwealth Service and October visit with President of Ukraine. She has probably worn it a few times more, but those 5 I remember.
DeleteMaggie
Just a thought...perhaps it would be nice if Kate wore a lower heeled shoe when doing a visit involving children. Karen in Oregon
ReplyDeleteI came here to say the same thing :-). When she knows an event is going to revolve around children flats would be nice so she doesn't tower over them
DeleteKate is even towering over grown ups (third photo).
DeleteFor me it’s too much blue overall
ReplyDeleteI like the solid colour, with just the cashmere sweater and leather belt giving a change of texture. The sparkly jewels add interest too.
DeleteA very good cause to highlight and support. The Princess looked beautiful. I love this suit on her. Very sharp but very stylish. Fantastic fit and cut. I would also expect to see her continuing to work with Sarah. She has a good muse in the Princess and she did bring the magic on the biggest fashion day of her life so far. Great to see her looking so well and happy. It was heartwarming to see her getting a standing ovation at the Royal variety performance. The Prince has been busy as well today selling copies of the Big Issue. Looking forward to tonight, I'm sure she will bring it. 👍. Hopefully more new to her jewellery. S🙂.
ReplyDeleteIn a rethink, how lovely would it have been to wear a jacket like that of Ms Ayida and slightly shorter shoes? Kate doesn't need to make the silhouette so vertical. She can afford some horizontal breaks.
ReplyDeleteHer hair still looks darker, which is so pretty.
Hi Charlotte - not necessarily a comment to be published, but letting you know that over the past few months, many of the embedded Getty images have not loaded for those of us viewing your post from the US using Google Chrome. I'm not sure if it's just a US issue, but wanted to let you know in case you weren't already aware. Thanks! Sharon (I've been a reader since the lead up to William and Catherine's wedding, and want to say how much I look forward to your coverage)
ReplyDeleteSharon, thank you so much for letting me know. I will look into this immediately.
DeleteAlso, I just want to thank you all so much for the very kind wishes. I'm very much on the mend now and grateful to be ahead of Christmas :)
Great to hear that you are on the mend Charlotte. It's the lovers knot tiara tonight and the amazing Greenville earrings. Hopefully some good pictures to come to show off there sparkle.. looking forward to your update later. S.🙂.
DeleteHi Anonymous, I have regular Google on my computer and have no problem with images loading onto my computer. Also in the U.S.
DeleteMaggie
I know that there are ongoing issues between Google and Europe about data storage. I've not heard of this happening before. Hopefully you get it sorted. I don't like Google images because can be hard to zoom in. S.🙂.
DeleteAlso from the US. No problems seeing any photos. Might be a problem at your end. Perhaps you have a filter engaged that prevents some photos from going through.
DeleteJust beautiful! I love her in this color. Looking forward to tonight. Glad you are feeling better Charlotte ☺️
ReplyDeleteJoanne in CA
I usually don't much like the suits trend but this time she looks stunning. Love the sweater underneath. The blue is gorgeous
ReplyDeleteI've liked some of the suit's. I think fitted and more tailored work best for the Princess. Think Queen of Spain and some of the suits she has worn. Very stylish. S.🙂.
DeleteAlso, this is a very emotional engagement. Those stories are so moving. I think Kate's empathy really shines.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Natacha! Zora from Prague
DeleteI think this look and colour really suits her. She did a great job.
ReplyDeleteSome of her monochrome color looks work well and some don’t, this is nice but it seems like too much blue/teal. I hate the style of the short pants. They look like flood pants and just look silly 😂 i get if she needs pants for a practice standpoint if she is sitting on the floor or something, that’s different, but I wish she would go back to her dresses. I wish she would cut her hair a bit. Her curls aren’t even holding because they’re so heavy. So her hairs just gone flat.
ReplyDeleteThat shade of blue is incredible! She looks great and it plays nicely with her dark hair.
ReplyDeleteIt’s too blue for me a contrasting top would be better . The hair is so long and heavy and covers too much of her face.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that child related events are her forte and preference but I wish she would extend the scope of her patronages to support more of areas of society . GT
Sounds like a wonderful facility. Catherine looked great. A very nice professional look and the color is great on her. Ali
ReplyDeleteGreat look for Kate today, however, the matchy matchy look is a bit boring. It feels like there could be other options than wearing a jacket, shirt/blouse, pants, earrings, and necklace all in the same color. At least the shoes and belt are a different shade, so there’s something that catches the eye.
ReplyDeleteWonderful cause and a nice outfit. The pant suits are tailored well and I love the crop leg. Thanks Charlotte! Sue from IL
ReplyDeleteI like this ensemble. The pants and jacket are a good fit. The subtle pieces of jewellery were the perfect finishing touch. This was a really lovely visit.
ReplyDeleteThat shade of blue is incredible! She looks great and what great facility
ReplyDeleteI am not the biggest lover of her monochrome looks and I am over the all blue. But this outfit works extremly well in my opinion. The tailoring is perfect for her and the teal blue is not overpowering. These jewel tones really make her glow. I hope we see this again.
ReplyDeleteC.
I think Catherine looks wonderful at this visit.. the color and fit of this suit is a great look for her. Thanks, Charlotte, for your continued detailed filled posts!
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