Body language expert reveals how Kate Middleton formed 'instant connections' while visiting children at Welsh hospice
- Kate, 43, visited the hospice on her first royal 'away day' since 2023
- READ MORE: Kate Middleton opts for high street chic in old favourite £16 dress from the Zara sale as she visits children's hospice in South Wales
The Princess of Wales visited children at a Welsh hospice 'as a friend, not a royal' and formed instant connections by 'making them smile', a body language expert has said.
Kate, 43, began her first royal 'away day' since 2023 with a heartwarming visit to Tŷ Hafan - the oldest Welsh children's hospice - in Sully near Cardiff, as she officially over its patronage from King Charles.
After she was greeted by a member of the charity's staff, Kate made a beeline for the young children inside as the mother-of-three exuded warmth and friendliness during her interactions with them.
Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James noted how her 'immersive' demeanour helped 'create instant rapport' with the children and their parents as Kate appeared visibly moved by her interactions this morning.
'She crouches down on the ground as low as possible to meet eye-to-eye with the very smallest children for what looks like a long time, and we can see her fun, open-mouth expressions are aimed at making them smile,' Ms James explained.
Photos from Kate's visit this morning showed her holding hands with the children, who have life-limiting conditions, kneeling beside them while asking about their interests, and joining in a hand-painting session as well.
Reflecting on the princess' interactions, Ms James added: 'Her touch rituals look very gentle with these unwell children but the way she reaches out to touch them or hold their hands projects caring and warmth.
'She makes this look less like a royal visit and more like a visit from a friend or relative.'
The Princess of Wales, 43, visited children at a Welsh hospice on Thursday 'as a friend, not a royal' and formed instant connections by 'making them smile', a body language expert has said
Kate began her first royal 'away day' since 2023 with a heartwarming visit to Tŷ Hafan - the oldest Welsh children's hospice - in Sully near Cardiff, as she officially over its patronage from King Charles
Kate made a beeline for the young children inside as the mother-of-three exuded warmth and friendliness during her interactions with them
Kate later praised the work of Tŷ Hafan in a post on the official X/Twitter account of Kensington Palace, writing that 'love, empathy, and kindness' was at the heart of the charity's mission.
She described her visit as 'incredibly moving' before adding: 'Seeing the care and compassion provided to children with life-shortening conditions, and to their families.'
While at the hospice, Kate met a young girl who uses a wheelchair, and who was dressed in pink and had her hair in pigtails for the occasion.
'What do you like doing when you're here?' the princess asked, before the girl replied to explain she enjoyed music.
Kate then asked: 'Have you played any of the instruments?' and picked up a rattle before giving it a little shake. The little girl erupted in giggles and went on to demonstrate her percussion playing on a xylophone.
She was also overheard discussing 'challenging' times for families as she spoke with parents whose children have received care from the hospice.
Catherine had joined children at a 'stay and play' fun-filled event after Kensington Palace donated musical instruments - and admitted her own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would have 'loved' the activities.
Walking into the room where children were entertained by a guitarist, she said: 'This is very vibrant.'
Photos from Kate's visit this morning showed her holding hands with the children, who have life-limiting conditions, kneeling beside them while asking about their interests, and joining in a hand-painting session as well
Like her father-in-law, King Charles, who visited the hospice in 2018, Kate also created a handprint artwork (above)
Smiling Catherine crouched down to speak to Dani-Rae, 3, and asked: 'What do you like doing here? Are you having a good time? Are you singing songs?
She shook some maracas and asked: 'Do you like playing any instruments?'
The mother-of-three also warmly chatted with parents and carers asking: 'Are there any places like this in the community?'
She also joined in the games rolling a sparkly ball along the floor and asked Dani-Rae: 'Are you going to meet your friends? You're gonna stay here? It's really nice to meet you.'
She sat with Felix, 12, and listened to how he was being cared for at the hospice, saying: 'This is a really calm place.'
And she spoke to the family of Maisie, 16, about what she enjoys about coming to the hospice.
While speaking to Savanah-Blu, 5, she tenderly placed her hand on her left knee.
She later asked the parents and carers: 'How much has the support here helped her?'
The mother-of-three also warmly chatted with parents and carers asking: 'Are there any places like this in the community?'
Catherine had joined children at a 'stay and play' fun-filled event after Kensington Palace donated musical instruments - and admitted her own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would have 'loved' the activities
And spoke about the hospice providing 'physical and emotional support' for children with life-shortening conditions.
Kate said: 'I know what a lifeline it is here and makes such a difference.'
The royal visitor was also shown a room that is to be used by Maisie, and noticed a copy of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark - which she read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories in 2022.
When told some children can stay for care without their parents, she remarked: 'Sometimes, having just spoken to them, the fact that they have been coming here for regular periods of time, they build up a rapport so they know they are really in a safe space and got that relationship with their carers.'
'That's support on a holistic front not just their physical needs, it's that (gesturing to the stay and play).'
Five-year-old Oscar, who had missed the Stay and Play as he was riding around the hospice's corridors, bumped into the Princess during her tour.
She leaned down and said: 'You've got some good exercise going.'
As the youngster looked like he was about to set off on another lap of the hospice the princess asked: 'Are you going back down this way?'
Kate described her visit as 'incredibly moving' before adding: 'Seeing the care and compassion provided to children with life-shortening conditions, and to their families.'
But instead Oscar whizzed off leading her through the building to the garden.
Outside she marvelled at the 'beautiful environment' and spoke to parents who had lost their children.
She hailed 'such a beautiful connection' after hearing in the tweeting of bird songs that have been created by turning children's names into morse code.
A plaque on the speaker playing the bird songs reads: 'These names will be forever in our skies.'
The princess then helped four-year-old Maggie, sibling of Felix, make a handprint.
Kate grabbed her hand and said: 'Shall we do it together? Would you like me to paint your hand?'
She held her hand and brushed on red paint and said: 'Tell me it tickles. Is it ticklish? My kiddies would love this if I went and did this back at home today.'
Afterwards, Lottie, 10, who is also Felix's sister, took her turn to paint the princess as Kate quipped 'it's very relaxing'.
Towards the end of her visit, Kate praised the environment and work of Tŷ Hafan and said she understood how important it was that families had a lifeline
Then asked 'ready?' and placed her hand on a piece of paper and said 'I should have done my nails.'
Looking at her mark left behind she said: 'It's huge!'
Then after washing off the paint she signed it 'Catherine' next to the handprint which will be digitised and put on the wall with others from children, their siblings and parents.
On her way out the princess pledged her support and said: 'It's been a very special visit.'
