Pregnant Princess Beatrice makes rare appearance in support of beloved organisation

Princess Beatrice, who is expecting her first baby, shared a video message to mark the end of Children’s Hospice Week. In her brief message, the pregnant royal thanked carers and families for granting severely ill children the best life they can get and praised the charities – such as her patronage Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, which supports them.

She said: “As patron of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and as Children’s Hospice Week draws to a close, I just want to take this moment to thanks each and every single one of those families and carers giving that much-needed support to those with life-shortening conditions.

“Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice provides expert clinical and respite care and end-of-life care for those families coping with the round the clock challenges of caring for a child with complex and life-shortening conditions.

“Which is why it is incredibly important that we remember these organisations across the UK who do this incredible work.

“So Forget Me Not helps them make the most of every moment and to make sure that they can live the best life they can, whether long or short that may be. 

“So Thank you so much for all the work that you do.

“And we are very lucky that we get to support you.”

Princess Beatrice has been involved with the Forget Me Not hospice since 2012, when she officially opened Russell House.

According to the organisation, the royal has often visited the hospice and gets cards and paintings from children in its care.

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Princess Beatrice is not a working member of the Royal Family and has a career of her own at multinational data and software company Afiniti.

However, she has offered her support and patronage to various organisation and has traditionally attended key royal events open to the extended members of the Firm such as Trooping the Colour.

Princess Beatrice’s video message comes a month after Buckingham Palace announced her pregnancy.

A brief statement read: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting a baby in autumn of this year. 

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“The Queen has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”

Edoardo and Beatrice got married on July 17 at Windsor, during a private and socially distanced ceremony attended only by a handful of family members and friends.

Edoardo’s best man reportedly was his toddler son Christopher, who is said to have bonded with his new step-mum Beatrice.

Beatrice isn’t the only member of the Royal Family to have marked Children’s Hospice Week. 

Last Monday, Kate penned a poignant message – shared by her patronage East Anglia Children’s Hospital (EACH) – in which she spoke about how difficult and scary 2020 has been for families and carers with ill children.

She said: “The last year has been difficult for everyone, and especially tough and frightening for families with seriously ill children.

“Many started shielding long before others, worrying about the pandemic and what it might mean for their children.

“The theme for this year’s Children’s Hospice Week is ‘Pushed to the Limits’, recognising the tremendous strain these families face, and why the care and support of their local children’s hospices is needed now more than ever.” 

Similarly, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has acknowledged the vital work carried out daily by hospices caring for children and their families.

As the patron of Children’s Hospice South West, Camilla said: “Once again it is Children’s Hospice Week, so I wanted to send a message to all the families across the country who are caring for terminally ill babies, children and young people.

“You face enormous heart-breaking challenges and you are much in my thoughts and prayers.

“I also wanted to thank the brilliant staff and volunteers who work wonders to help short lives to be lived to the full, creating precious memories and providing comfort and support to all those who come through your doors.”