The Princess of Wales has shared a touching message highlighting the significance of "love, healing and hope" as Evelina London Children’s Hospital celebrates its 20th anniversary. Since its opening in 2005, the hospital has provided specialist care to children and families across London and beyond.

As the hospital's patron since 2008, Kate has made numerous visits, engaging with young patients, their families, and the dedicated staff. In her anniversary message, she expressed her delight in celebrating the milestone, stating, "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."

She noted the hospital's significant impact, saying, "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."

Kate praised the hospital's design, which includes bright, welcoming spaces and a light-filled atrium, ensuring children feel safe and supported. She remarked on the remarkable staff, whose compassion and expertise create an uplifting environment for families.

Looking to the future, she expressed optimism, stating, "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."

The Princess last visited the hospital in December 2023, where she officially opened a new day surgery unit. During her visit, she met four-and-a-half-year-old Saya Stephenson, who was recovering from surgery. Kate comforted Saya's mother, Miwa, who had expressed anxiety about the procedure, saying, "It's always a worry, though for a parent. We have to keep our cool. It’s so hard."

Evelina London has achieved several milestones in paediatric medicine, including the first 3D scans of a fetal heart and 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, described the hospital as "a beacon of hope, compassion and excellence for thousands of babies, children, young people and their families."

He added, "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."