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The Princess of Wales has released a message about the importance of "love, healing and hope" to mark a poignant anniversary. Kate, in her role as patron of Evelina London Children’s Hospital, has released a special message to mark the hospital's 20th anniversary. It was back in 2005 that the hospital opened and has ever since been delivering specialist care to babies, children, young people, and their families across London, south east England, and further afield. The princess became patron of the hospital back in 2008, and has made several visits to the site, meeting young patients, parents, and staff. And to mark the anniversary today, she said: "As Patron of Evelina, I’m delighted to join everyone at Evelina London Children’s Hospital in celebrating the 20th anniversary of its iconic hospital building. “Over the past two decades, this extraordinary space has enabled Evelina London to care for nearly three times as many children and young people as when it first opened. It is a place that symbolises love, healing and hope and has had such an impact on countless lives. “As I know from my visits, the building’s bright, welcoming spaces and wonderful light-filled atrium ensure children feel safe, supported and nurtured as they face whatever challenges lie ahead. “What makes this building so special is the remarkable staff, whose compassion and expertise shine through in every corner of the hospital, and create an environment where families feel cared for and uplifted. “Looking ahead, I am filled with hope for Evelina’s future. As it continues to grow, even more children will benefit from the world-class care that defines Evelina, a place where healing begins with connection, and every child is cherished.” Kate last visited the hospital in December 2023, where she officially opened the facility's brand-new day surgery unit. In the recovery area she met four-and-a-half-year-old Saya Stephenson, who was resting in bed after an operation that morning to remove excess skin for her ears. The princess hugged her mother, Miwa Stephenson, who said she had been anxious about the surgery despite it being a relatively minor procedure. Kate replied: "It's always a worry, though for a parent. We have to keep our cool. It’s so hard." Since the hospital opened, a number of first have taken place, including taking the first 3D scans of a fetal heart and carrying out the UK’s first paediatric robotic surgical procedure for testicular cancer. Gubby Ayida, Chief Executive of Evelina London Women’s and Children’s Clinical Group, said: “Evelina London Children’s Hospital is a beacon of hope, compassion and excellence for thousands of babies, children, young people and their families. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen extraordinary advances in children’s medicine, but what has remained constant is our unwavering commitment to putting children and families at the heart of everything we do. This milestone is a celebration of our staff, our patients, and the community that supports us.”
