Business as usual: Kate brushes aside royal race row as she opens life-changing unit at children's hospital

5 December 2023, 12:38 | Updated: 5 December 2023, 12:39

Kate Middleton visited Evelina London this morning
Kate Middleton visited Evelina London this morning. Picture: Alamy/Getty
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

It was business as usual for Kate Middleton this morning as she arrived at a hospital in London to open a new facility for children.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Princess of Wales arrived at the Evelina London this morning, of which she is a patron, and was greeted by the hospital's chief executive, Gubby Ayida.

Kate is at the hospital to open its new day surgery unit, as well meet young patients and their families to hear about the impact of its services on their lives.

It follows a row after two members of the Royal Family were named as having concerns about the skin colour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, Archie, in Omid Scobie's new book, Endgame.

The two members of the Royal Family were named in a Dutch edition of the book, which Scobie claims was a translation error.

Buckingham Palace has not commented.

The Princess Of Wales Opens Evelina London's New Children's Day Surgery Unit
The Princess Of Wales Opens Evelina London's New Children's Day Surgery Unit. Picture: Getty
The Princess Of Wales Opens Evelina London's New Children's Day Surgery Unit
The Princess Of Wales Opens Evelina London's New Children's Day Surgery Unit. Picture: Getty

But there is no suggestion the 'racism' row will affect the day-to-day lives of royals, as Kate visits two new operation theatres and meets children awaiting surgery.

Ms Ayida said: "We put children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do, and you especially feel that when coming into our new unit.

"It was lovely to have this recognised with the Princess of Wales today, who values the importance of having a supported and nurturing environment for children through her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood."

Read More: Charles takes charge: King flies back from Cop 28 for crunch talks with William about Harry and Meghan

Read More: Omid Scobie's agent 'sent Dutch translators manuscript containing royals' names' in Archie race row

Earlier today, the Duchess of Sussex was pictured for the first time since the 'mistake' emerged in Omid Scobie's book, Endgame.

Meghan stepped out in Montecito on Monday morning and was seen wearing a bracelet gifted to her by King Charles several years ago.

Omid Scobie's new book, Endgame
Omid Scobie's new book, Endgame. Picture: Getty
King Charles III Attends COP28
King Charles III Attends COP28. Picture: Getty

It comes amid reports that the King has returned to the UK for emergency talks with Prince William following claims in the Dutch version of author Omid Scobie's new book.

Charles has reportedly flown home from the Cop28 environment summit in Dubai in response to the publication of Endgame.

Sources say Charles, William and their top aides will come together to draw up a counter-response to the explosive book.

Palace sources insist all options remain “on the table”, including launching legal action against the author, who has previously been branded “Meghan’s mouthpiece”.

The Californian-based couple have so far declined to comment on the furore despite coming under huge pressure to speak out about Mr Scobie’s “research.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments

The Kremlin is suspected of plotting the attack

'Parcel bombs' that blew up in warehouse were 'rehearsal' for Russian explosion attack on flight to US

Keir Starmer is not set to ban smoking in pub gardens, contrary to earlier reports

Cigarettes will not be banned in pub gardens under new Labour plan create 'smoke-free generation'

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Reading, Pennsylvania

Trump threatens Mexico with 100% tariffs unless it cracks down on border crossings

Bridget Phillipson told Tonight with Andrew Marr that the fee hike was necessary to secure the future of universities.

‘Universities must reform’ says education secretary after first hike in tuition fees in 8 years

Two more cases of a new strain of mpox have been detected in the UK, officials say

Two more cases of new mpox strain detected in UK

Anya Taylor-Joy and her musician husband were the victims of a terrifying robbery

Anya Taylor-Joy and musician husband victims of burglary at London mansion

Exclusive
Nigel Farage speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari about new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch

'The Remainers are back in town': Nigel Farage says Kemi Badenoch will bring 'no change whatsoever' to Tories

Amy Dowden

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden will not return to show this year following 'medical emergency'

Scott Paterson murdered his landlady Annette Smith

Tenant murdered and dismembered elderly landlady before posing as her by sending Christmas cards to family

Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel and Mel Stride will all serve in Kemi Badenoch's Shadow Cabinet

Kemi Badenoch names former leadership rivals Robert Jenrick and Priti Patel to Tory Shadow Cabinet team

Bridget Phillipson has confirmed the tuition fee rise

University tuition fees to rise for first time in eight years, as Tories accuse Labour of 'declaring war on students'

Sara Sharif had suffered dozens of injuries in the weeks leading up to her death, a court has heard

Video of Sara Sharif smiling and dancing 'days before murder' shown to court

Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers that no Tube services are expected on Thursday 7 November

November Tube strikes to bring London to a halt this week despite RMT calling off action

Stuart Gogg during the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland in Saint-Denis, 26 February 2023

Former Scotland rugby captain pleads guilty to domestic abuse over five-year period against former partner