Princess of Wales meets mothers and babies at maternity unit during solo visit

The Princess of Wales has met mothers and babies at a maternity unit on her first major solo visit since she was given the new royal title by King Charles.

She was visiting the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford on Wednesday to hear about the holistic support it provides to new and expectant mothers.

Its NHS maternity unit delivers and cares for around 3,000 babies a year, and it received a UNICEF baby friendly initiative gold award this year for its outstanding work on infant-feeding and parent-child relationships.

Kate toured the hospital's special care baby unit (SCBU) which provides specialist neonatal care for tiny and premature babies, and met a family who received help to bond with their baby.

The princess also met a mother who was supported by the hospital's Jasmine Team which works with women affected by mental health illnesses during pregnancy and after giving birth.

Kate gave birth to all three of her children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - at the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London.

She is passionate about supporting the mental well-being of mothers, and recently became patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Early years care continues to be a major focus in her role as the Princess of Wales, and the visit is part of a series by Kate and her husband Prince William this week to showcase their continuing key interests.

The Prince of Wales, who is president of the Football Association, visited the home of England's national football teams and met young footballers on Wednesday.

His visit was to mark the 10th anniversary of St George's Park, Staffordshire, being opened.

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Last year, Kate became the sponsor of the City Class Type 26 frigate, which is under construction in Govan.

She met dozens of sailors at an event at Windsor Castle on Thursday and discussed how the ship's build is going, as well as what life is like in the Royal Navy.