Our Patron, The Duchess of Cambridge, joins patients in her garden

The Duchess of Cambridge joins Evelina London patient, Millie, on a bug hunt.

The Duchess of Cambridge met Evelina London patients at a special event to launch her Back to Nature concept garden.

The Duchess of Cambridge invited three Evelina London patients from our hospital and community services to the unveiling of her garden at the Royal Horticultural Society Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.

During the event, our Royal Patron joined patients for special outdoor activities, including looking for insects, exploring dens and a treasure hunt. The Duchess also spent time speaking to the patients’ parents and carers.

The Duchess spoke to Nicky Allingham and her 8-year-old daughter, Millie, who has been an Evelina London patient since she was a baby. Millie was born with a serious kidney condition and had a transplant two days before her third birthday with a kidney donated by her mother.

Nicky, from Paddock Wood in Kent, said: “I really enjoyed speaking to The Duchess. She was very warm and personable. She talked about how well Millie did during the treasure hunt, and she was very interested in the care she has received at Evelina London. I told her about Millie’s transplant and that she always enjoys coming to Evelina London.”

Millie said: “The Duchess was really nice and friendly. I asked her what Charlotte and George’s favourite part of the garden is, and she said they really like the waterfall. The Duchess also said it’s her favourite part of the garden, and it’s the part I liked the best too.”

Patients, Miracle Imadojrmun, 9, and Emilia Cotter, 3, also enjoyed the event alongside a group of children from The Duchess’ other patronages. 

Cathy Gill, senior play specialist, attended the event. She said: “I was absolutely delighted to meet The Duchess and introduce her to our patients. She spent lots of time speaking to our children and showing them her garden. They also had lots of fun exploring nature and playing in the den. It’s very fitting that The Duchess was able to spend time with our patients as we celebrate 150 years of Evelina London.”

The garden, which features a waterfall, bee-friendly wildflower meadow and a pond, was showcased at the Chelsea Flower Show this year. The design has been developed further to create additional opportunities for children and families to interact with nature and is double the size of the original.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a special event at our hospital last December to announce Her Royal Highness as Patron of Evelina London and launch our 150th birthday year.

Celebrating 150 years of caring for children

Evelina London is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The hospital was founded in 1869 as Evelina Hospital for Sick Children by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, whose wife, Evelina, died along with their baby in childbirth.

Photography credit: Kensington Palace.