Catherine, Princess of Wales continued her phased return to public duties on Thursday, visiting a children’s hospice in Wales, as it was announced that she’d become a patron of the organization.

Kate Middleton made a visit on Jan. 30 to Tŷ Hafan, a hospice in Wales that Princess Diana, who was also Princess of Wales, supported during her lifetime.

Tŷ Hafan's chief executive said they were "deeply honoured" by the appointment Catherine, Princess of Wales has been named patron of a children's hospice on a visit to south Wales. She visited Tŷ Hafan in Sully,

The Princess of Wales spent time with young people receiving care from a children’s hospice whichi she described as a “lifeline”. Kate crouched down to chat with the children with life-shortening conditions and their parents as she marked becoming a patron of Ty Hafan children’s hospice in South Wales by visiting the centre.

During a Jan. 30 visit to children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan in South Wales, Kate Middleton “stayed much longer than we expected” for “the most inspiring visit,” sources tell PEOPLE.