On January 30, 2025, Princess Kate made a visit to the Tŷ Hafan children's hospice in Wales, where her warmth, empathy, and connection with families facing difficult circumstances immediately resonated with those in attendance. As the Princess of Wales continues to carve out her own royal path, her interactions with the children and families at the hospice highlighted a quality that many have compared to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
The similarities in their approach to royal duties and their ability to connect with others in meaningful ways are striking. Princess Kate, like Diana, has been praised for her "warming and easy" demeanor, bringing comfort to people in the most trying of circumstances.
During her visit to the hospice, Princess Kate engaged with families, including Alex Forbes, whose 12-year-old son, Felix, is being treated at the facility. The connection was instant, as Kate’s genuine interest in the children’s lives made everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
“You can tell she is a mom,” Alex Forbes told People magazine, noting how Kate's natural, down-to-earth manner made her feel like “talking to another mother, first and foremost.” Kate’s kindness was particularly evident when she interacted with Alex’s daughters, Lottie, 9, and Maggie, 4.
Kate even invited the girls to join her in a hand-painting activity, helping to foster a sense of inclusion and joy in what could have otherwise been a difficult day.
What truly stood out during the visit was how easily Kate engaged with the children and their families. Alex recalled how Kate managed to connect with her bashful daughter, Maggie, who initially hesitated to take part in the activity.
With a gentle approach and patience, Kate got Maggie to feel comfortable enough to let her paint her hand. “She got Lottie to come in and asked, ‘Do you want to paint my hand?’” Alex said, highlighting how effortlessly Kate put the children at ease.
This simple interaction demonstrated Kate’s natural ability to bond with others and her genuine care for those around her.
This warm and easy connection with people—especially with families going through difficult times—has drawn comparisons to Princess Diana, who was widely admired for her deep empathy and her ability to connect with others. Diana's compassion for children, in particular, was one of her most defining traits.
Over the years, Princess Diana visited numerous hospitals and was involved with various charities focused on children’s welfare. She served as the president of the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and became a beloved figure for her heartfelt involvement in the lives of sick children and their families.
Dan Forbes, Felix’s father, was one of the many who saw echoes of Diana in Kate's approach. "Diana is always thought of as the royal who had a people touch and had the ability to build rapport and bond with people today,” Dan said after interacting with the princess. He explained that Kate made everyone feel comfortable, stating that “you could see that today with the princess.”
Like Diana, Kate exudes a genuine care for others, and her ability to put people at ease is something that has been noted by many who have encountered her during her royal duties.
For families like the Forbes family, who are navigating the challenging reality of having a child with serious health issues, Kate’s ability to connect on a personal level means a great deal. "The human touch she brought is priceless for families like us, feeling like you are speaking to someone you can relate to," Dan said.
The royal family is often seen from a distance, with the public usually observing the formalities of royal engagements, but Kate’s warmth and kindness make her seem accessible and relatable. For families in such difficult circumstances, the chance to feel heard and seen by a member of the Royal Family is truly invaluable.
This visit is just one example of how Princess Kate is continuing the legacy of service and compassion that her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, so famously exemplified. While Kate is still early in her royal journey, her ability to connect with people and bring comfort to those in need is already drawing comparisons to Diana’s legacy of philanthropy and human connection.
Like Diana, Kate is making her mark by engaging with the most vulnerable members of society, offering not just royal patronage but also a personal connection that resonates deeply with those she meets.
As Kate continues to build her own legacy as the Princess of Wales, her visits to places like the Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Her ability to make others feel at ease, particularly those who are struggling, is a gift that will continue to define her royal work.
As she follows in Diana’s footsteps, Princess Kate is proving that the human touch—the ability to genuinely connect and empathize—is one of the most powerful tools a royal can have.
