The royals were visibly moved by the young people they met with as honorary patrons of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The royals participated in a video call with these young people last week as part of their role as honorary patrons of the Teenage Cancer Trust, and also helped to open a new blood cancer ward at the University College London Hospital. The trust worked with Morgan Stanley employees to raise and donate the over £600,000 of funding needed to open this new wing where teens and young people with blood cancer will be treated and put in touch with experts in a place specially designed for them.
During the call, both the Duchess of York and Beatrice could be seen getting choked up as the organization's co-foundersthanked them for their 32 years of service and support. Dr Adrian said, “Eugenie, Beatrice, you must be very proud of mum because she has such humility and such empathy with patients,” prompting Eugenie to lean over and give her mom a big hug.
Myrna then went on to say, “I just wonder when we enlist the little ones?” in reference to Beatrice's daughter, who turned one back in February. She added, “Give them a year or two and they'll be doing Teenage Cancer Trust.” Beatrice replied with a big smile, “Sienna's already a lifelong patron.” The princess also recalled getting to visit the Teenage Cancer Trust when she was just a teenager herself and the impact it had on her future charitable endeavors.
The video call wrapped up with the Duchess officially opening the new UCLH hematology ward to a round of applause. The royal has been a supporter of the Teenage Cancer Trust since its founding. In a statement, she wrote, “This is a special charity that's so very close to my heart. Cancer doesn't just devastate a young person's health. It threatens to take away everything they care about – their identity, their independence, and their dreams.