SHOWING EMPATHY AS A MOTHER THE PRINCESS OF WALES BRINGS THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR AS SHE OPENS A DAY SURGERY UNIT FOR CHILDREN

The Princess of Wales said last week that taking her children to hospital was “always nerve-racking” as she met young patients, parents and staff at a new children’s day surgery unit in London.

-  TRACY SCHAVERIEN

The Princess, who is patron of Evelina Children’s Hospital, officially opened its £55m purpose-built facility at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in South London, which provides pre-surgery checks, operations and recovery under one roof, reducing the need for repeated visits.

Looking chic in a blue crepe jacket and matching cropped trousers by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, teamed with Gianvito Rossi pumps and sapphire and diamond earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, Kate chatted to families including one waiting in a pre-op cubicle.

“It’s always nerve-racking as a parent; I’ve taken mine into hospital for different things,” the mother of three told them. You’re always at least worried, but you’ve got a great team.”

Kate, 41, was also reunited with Evelina’s most high-profile patient - nineyear-old Tony Hudgell, who has raised £1.8m for the hospital by doing sponsored walks on his prosthetic legs.

The youngster's life was saved when he spent four months there as a tiny baby after being horrifically abused by his birth parents, with injuries so severe he had to have his legs amputated. They were jailed for ten years in 2018.