Catherine Middleton has become a topic of widespread conversation, often regarded as one of the most popular royals and a pillar of strength for her family. From her endearing nickname for her son Louis to the family’s support as she recovers from cancer treatment, the attention around the Wales family has never been higher.

Over the past months, the princess has missed several public events, holidays, concerts, and sports outings due to undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatments. Despite these challenges, she made a triumphant return with a hospital visit that brought immense joy to her supporters. On this occasion, she brightened up a gloomy day by cuddling a newborn, capturing hearts in a series of adorable photos taken at a maternity facility.

The Princess made an unexpected visit to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, where she met Sylvia Novak, a new mother from Budapest, and her six-week premature baby, Bianca. For this special visit, the royal mom of three wore a warm gold Karen Millen dress, which featured a belted waist and pleated skirt. She wore her hair down in loose waves, and the photos show her chatting with Miss Novak while gently holding little Bianca in her arms.

The sweet moment came about after the new mother, Sylvia Novak, asked the princess if she would like to hold her baby while they were talking in the hospital’s special baby care unit. Katherine, who is known for her grace and warmth, replied, “Am I allowed to?” A staff member then helped pass Bianca to the princess, who gently cradled the baby and remarked, “She’s very sweet.”

Katherine’s visit ran over by more than half an hour as she took time to speak with hundreds of hospital staff and members of the public. She reminisced about her own three children, recalling their scrunched-up newborn faces and tiny fingernails. Afterward, Miss Novak shared her thoughts, saying, “I asked her if she wanted to hold her, and she opted for it. I can’t blame her; Bianca is cute. The princess was lovely to speak to. I was really impressed; you don’t feel like you have classes between you. It’s really nice.”