The Princess of Wales, Catherine, opened the Evelina London’s new Children’s Day Surgery Unit. Catherine has been the patron of Evelina London since December 2018. The hospital provides dedicated service to the children and their families across the communities. The engagement came ahead of Princess Kate’s annual ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol service this Friday at Westminster Abbey where the theme is Early Years to showcase the hope of new life and why it is so important to build supportive, nurturing worlds around children and the adults in their lives.
The Princess of Wales arriving at the Evelina London’s new Children’s Day Surgery Unit. The Evelina London Children’s Hospital is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and Community. William and Kate recommended the hospital as the charity to their well-wishers to donate to instead of sending a gift after the birth of Prince Louis in April 2018. (Read about Kate’s first visit to the Hospital in 2018 here)
“I was a bit anxious but she was really lovely, really down to earth,” said staffmember 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 wishes us a Merry Christmas…I actually thought it would be a bit more forma, but it was actually really conformable and it was really easy speaking to her.” – Victoria Murphy from Town & Country
The new Children’s Day Treatment Centre was completed in 2023, and is right next to Evelina London children’s hospital building. With two new operating theatres dedicated to day surgery and a comfortable waiting lounge, this purpose-built facility has been designed with families in mind. The new State-of-the-Art centre can treat up to an additional 2,300 children and young people every year. It frees up space in the hospital theatres for operations requiring overnight stays, meaning the hospital can provide more life-changing care to children and young people faster.
“It was lovely to have this (new ward) recognised with the Princess of Wales today, who values the importance of having a supported & nurturing environment for children through her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood” – Gubby Ayida Hospital Chief Executive
During the visit, The Princess of Wales toured the hospital and learned about the facilities provided there to children. Kate walked thorough the same steps a new patient and their families had to go through from the time of hospital admission to post- surgery care. The centre conducts low-complexity surgeries that can be done in a day such as some ear, nose and throat operations, some eye surgeries and reconstructive surgery after accidents.
“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.” – Victoria Murphy from Town & Country
The Princess also learned about the Space-theme interior of the hospital that was a collaboration of hospital staff and patients to match the Evelina London’s natural theme interior.
What The Princess of Wales wore to Evelina London Children Surgery Unit opening
- Alexander McQueen Blue Blazer – (New)
- Alexander McQueen Blue Trousers – (New)
- Jigsaw Cashemere Katherine Cloud Sweater – (Repeat – Debuted Canada Tour 2011)
- Anderson’s Croc-Effect Leather Belt – (Repeat – Debuted October 2020)
- Sapphire and Diamond Earrings – (Repeat – Debuted summer 2011)
- Sapphire and Diamond Diana Pendant – (Repeat – Debuted in October 2020 )
- Gianvito Rossi 105 Blue Suede Pumps – (Repeat – debuted in June 2022 during a Cardiff visit.)
Bringing her new found love for tailored suits back, The Princess of Wales opted for a new teal-blue Tailored suit designed by her favourite designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Sarah designed Kate’s wedding dress and since then duo has collaborated continuously to design the Royal wardrobe making The Princess a trend-setting icon. The blue suit looked similar to Kate’s white Alexander McQueen suit and the pink suit that she has from the same label.
Underneath the blazer, Kate was wearing her blue Jigsaw Cashemere Katherine Cloud Sweater that we first saw during Canada tour in 2011. Thanks to Lauren on Twitter for her keen eye.
The Princess topped the trousers with her Anderson’s Croc-Effect Leather Belt.
Adding the touch of bling to her looks, The Princess of Wales wore her Diamond and Sapphire earrings that were also debuted in 2011 just before her first international tour
Kate was wearing her trusty Gianvito Rossi suede pumps in blue.