THE DUCHESS of Cambridge has sent a message in support of children's hospices.

Kate Middleton shared a personal message to mark Children's Hospice Week, asking people to join her in thanking the UK's 54 children's hospices for the care they provide to seriously ill children.

Children's Hospice Week runs from today until June 27 and is organised by Together for Short Lives, a charity for seriously ill children and their families.

Kate is a patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and has seen first-hand the care and work provided throughout the pandemic.

Her message reads: "The last year has been a difficult one for everyone, and especially tough and frightening for families with seriously ill children. Many started shielding long before others, worrying about the pandemic and what it might mean for their child.

"The theme for this year's Children's Hospice Week is 'pushed to the limits', recognising the tremendous strain these families face and why the care and support of their local children's hospices is needed now more than ever.

"Children's hospices are a lifeline, and I have been privileged to see first-hand the remarkable work they do. They give families the care and time they need to make treasures lifelong memories - the chance to be parents, not carers.

"Vitally, they are also there when it is time to say goodbye, making sure a family has privacy and dignity so they can grieve together and can receive support for as long as they need it.

"I hope you will join me this Children's Hospice Week in thanking the UK's 54 children's hospices and their incredible staff for the life-changing care they provide to children and families facing the unimaginable - helping them to make the most of every precious moment together."

The Duchess has offered her support to Children’s Hospice Week since 2013.

She has helped to raise awareness of the needs of seriously ill children and families, showing why they need the care and support of children’s hospices.

Chestnut Tree House, a charity providing hospice care services for children and young people with progressive life-shortening conditions in East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire, is one of the charities joining the duchess in marking the week.

Chestnut Tree House chief executive Ben Merrett said: "It is a real honour to receive a message of support from Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge, to help raise awareness of the vital work of children's hospices across the UK.

"Our care teams have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, adapting services and ensuring they continue to support families, but it's important to understand just how much of an impact the last year has had on the children and families Chestnut Tree House support and care for. Some families have felt pushed to their limits.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community since the Covid-19 crisis began, and that community support is now more important than ever to ensure that children and young people who need hospice care continue to receive it.

"On behalf of everyone at Chestnut Tree House, I would like to thank everyone for their support – children's hospice care simply wouldn't be possible without the generosity and support of the local community."