We were pleased to welcome Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) on Tuesday, 14 April.

After meeting with patients, families and staff along Main Street, the Duke and Duchess visited our adolescent medicine ward where they spent time with young people receiving care for acute and chronic health conditions, as well as those undergoing rehabilitation.

“It was clear that both the Duke and Duchess bring a sincere care for, and long-standing commitment to, the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

“We were delighted to welcome them to this part of our hospital and to share the remarkable work being done in adolescent health.

“It was a genuinely meaningful visit for our staff and for the young people receiving care,” said RCH Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Steer.

“This visit shows our young people that their experiences matter.

“For young people managing complex health issues, sharing what they are going through is incredibly empowering,” said Dr Cate Rayner, Director of Adolescent Medicine at the RCH.

The Duke and Duchess joined a group of young people in one of the hospital’s therapeutic garden spaces, taking part in an activity led by our Garden Therapists.

Garden therapy is one of several therapeutic interventions offered by the RCH to help kids learn new skills, manage their emotions and enjoy respite from their treatment at the hospital.

“The hospital can be a difficult space to be in – but our garden is a contrast to that.

“Time in nature has many benefits and has been found to improve mood, reduce stress and increase a person’s overall wellbeing – the impact it has on our young patients is incredible,” explains Therapeutic Garden Coordinator Kayte Kitchen.