Kate Middleton made a poignant message to children's hospices after unexpectedly missing Royal Ascot earlier in the week.

Princess Kate, who is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, has marked this year's Children's Hospice Week, which is taking place from June 16 until June 22.

Kate Middleton withdrew from attending Royal Ascot, one of the largest events in the British social calendar, with palace officials saying she was attempting to find the "right balance" as she recovers from cancer.