Kate Middleton holds adorable baby close during solo engagement at Surrey hospital

The Princess of Wales was pictured gently holding a baby during a visit to the Royal Surrey County Hospital’s award-winning maternity unit...

Kate Middleton holds adorable baby, seen here during a visit to the Royal Surrey County Hospital's Maternity Unit
(Image credit: Photo by Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton held an adorable baby during a major solo engagement at the Royal Surrey County Hospital just weeks after becoming Princess of Wales. 


On 29th September Kate Middleton was dubbed “fabulous” by fans after she undertook her first solo engagement since becoming Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle. Now the future Queen Consort has stepped out in Guildford on 5th October as she carried out a series of important visits at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Wowing in a tailored Karen Millen dress in a beautiful shade of autumnal yellow, the Princess of Wales learnt more about the crucial support the hospital’s maternity unit provides to new mothers and pregnant women. 

Delivering around 3,000 babies each year according to The Telegraph, the NHS maternity unit was the recipient of a UNICEF baby friendly gold award in 2022 in recognition of its work on parent-child relationships and infant-feeding. Now the Princess has seen their outstanding work first-hand and Kate Middleton held an adorable baby close during her special visit. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the Royal Surrey County Hospital's Maternity Unit

(Image credit: Photo by Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

In May Kate became a Patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and the Princess of Wales’ engagements included a meeting with the hospital’s Jasmine Team. This dedicated team supports women with mental health illnesses during pregnancy and during the initial postnatal period. These specialist perinatal mental health midwives and a specialist support worker liaise with charities and local services to provide specialist care. 

The Princess of Wales also visited the Postnatal Bay where mothers are supported during and after delivering children. And it was during her visit to the Special Baby Care Unit that Kate Middleton held an adorable baby as her mother looked on proudly. The unit provides specialist neonatal care for tiny and premature babies and Kate met Szilvia Novak and her daughter Bianca. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales, left, speaks to Sylvia Novak while holding her daughter Bianca

(Image credit: Photo by Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

As reported by The Mirror, Szilvia asked the future Queen if she wanted to hold Bianca to which Kate supposedly responded, “Am I allowed to?”

She was indeed allowed and pictures taken during this heartfelt visit show Kate gently cradling Bianca in her arms as she continued to talk to Szilvia. Speaking afterwards as per the publication, the proud mum reflected on this special day and remarked upon how “lovely” Kate was.

“I asked her if she wanted to hold her and she opted for it. I can't blame her. [Bianca] is cute. [The Princess of Wales] was lovely to speak to. I was really impressed. You don't feel like you have classes between you. It's really nice,” she said.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, left, speaks to Sylvia Novak while holding her daughter Bianca, during a visit to the maternity unit at Royal Surrey County Hospital

(Image credit: Photo by Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The sweet snaps of Kate Middleton holding Bianca showcase her warmth and the senior royal is known for her passion for the Early Years and set up The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021. The mum-of-three has also often shared cute anecdotes about her children and is said to have remarked upon her four-year-old son Prince Louis growing up during her recent visit.

“I keep thinking Louis is a baby but he's a big boy now. It just feels like yesterday,” she reportedly declared. 

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.