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Duchess joins children for tea party at hospice

The Duchess of Cambridge has been visiting children at Naomi House hospice in Hampshire.

Kate joined children for a tea party during her 90 minute visit.

The Duchess of Cambridge meeting children and staff as she visits Naomi House Children's Hospice
The Duchess of Cambridge meeting children and staff as she visits Naomi House Children's Hospice Credit: David Parker/Daily Mail/PA Wire/Press Association Images

She also visited the hydrotherapy pool where she saw children at play.

The Duchess of Cambridge meeting children and staff in the hydrotherapy pool
The Duchess of Cambridge meeting children and staff in the hydrotherapy pool Credit: David Parker/Daily Mail/PA Wire/Press Association Images
The Duchess of Cambridge touring Naomi House
The Duchess of Cambridge touring Naomi House Credit: David Parker/Daily Mail/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Kate visit 'a real boost' for hospice families

The chairman of a Hampshire hospice has said that the Duchess of Cambridge has provided a "real boost" for its families.

Professor Khalid Aziz, chairman of Naomi House, which was opened by the Prince of Wales in 1997, said: "We are delighted that Her Royal Highness has chosen Naomi House to visit at the start of Children's Hospice Week.

"Her presence has provided a real boost for our families, our volunteers and all our dedicated staff who were thrilled to meet her."

Duchess visits children at Hampshire hospice

The Duchess of Cambridge meets Sally Evans, eight, from Salisbury
The Duchess of Cambridge meets Sally Evans, eight, from Salisbury Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The Duchess of Cambridge Kate today visited Naomi House in Hampshire, an institution that supports children with life-limiting conditions, as part of Children's Hospice Week.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Naomi House Children's Hospice in Winchester, Hampshire
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Naomi House Children's Hospice in Winchester, Hampshire Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The Duchess marked Children's Hospice Week by recording her first video message at the weekend, which appealed for support for the initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds.

Read more: Duchess makes video appeal for Hospice Week

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Naomi House Children's Hospice in Winchester, Hampshire
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Naomi House Children's Hospice in Winchester, Hampshire Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Hoax nurse family condemn suicide note publication

The family of a nurse who took a prank call at the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated have condemned the publication of one of her suicide notes.

Speaking on behalf of Jacintha Saldanha's family, MP Keith Vaz said:

The family of Jacintha Saldanha welcome the latest development concerning the application by the Australian DJ Mel Greig to appear before the inquest.

This will now allow the coroner to explore the role of the DJs in Jacintha's tragic death.

The family feel this will give them the opportunity to ensure that all relevant parties are before the inquest, including the hospital, the DJs and the radio station.

They are, however, distressed at the publication of the content of one of the suicide notes which, of course, was private.

They have appointed John Cooper QC to represent them at the inquest.

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Hoax call nurse inquest adjourned until September

The inquest of a nurse who took a prank call about the Duchess of Cambridge from two Australian DJs will now take place in September.

Jacintha Saldanha was found dead in nurses' quarters three days after she answered the call at central London's King Edward VII's Hospital, where Kate was being treated for severe morning sickness in December.

Ms Saldanha answered the phone and put the pair through to a colleague who gave details of the Duchess's condition.

The inquest was due to take place in London this week, but a spokeswoman from Westminster Coroner's Court said it has been adjourned until September 12 and 13.

Royal hoax DJ to 'appear' at nurse inquest

Mel Greig said she will appear at an inquest into the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Credit: Reuters

One of the Australian DJs who made a prank call to the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated will appear at an inquest into the death of the nurse who answered the phone, it was reported.

Mother-of-two Jacintha Saldanha was found dead in her nurses' quarters three days after she transferred the call from the DJs to a colleague at London's King Edward VII's Hospital who then described Kate's condition in detail.

DJ Mel Greig said she was "determined to answer any questions surrounding her role in these tragic events" and would appear in person or by video link, BBC News reported.

The inquest will be held on 2 May.

The Duchess' support gives a 'huge boost' to children

The Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives, Barbara Gelb told Daybreak that the Duchess of Cambridge's support has made this the "best Children's Hospice Week ever".

This is our best Children's Hospice Week ever, having the Duchess support our cause makes such a big difference, it's such a boost to children and families especially and also really importantly to children's hospices right across the UK.

Children's hospices are charities and they really reliant pin the public to keep them going, it can cost up to £7,000 a day to run a hospice like Naomi House.

– Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives

Duchess of Cambridge to take a tour of hospice

The Duchess of Cambridge will today visit Naomi House in Sutton Scotney, Hampshire as part of Children's Hospice Week 2013.

Catherine will take a tour of the facilities, meeting the children and families who rely on the hospice's services.

The Duchess of Cambridge recorded her first video message yesterday to mark Children's Hospice Week Credit: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

The Duchess will also take tea with the brothers and sisters of children cared for at the hospice before listening to a live performance of ‘Free’ - a song written by a Naomi House sibling, Ollie Wade, as a tribute to his deceased brother.

Watch: Duchess of Cambridge appeals for hospice support

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