The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting Merseyside today to greet and thank a number of health workers for their ongoing efforts.
Prince William and Princess Kate's first destination was the Liverpool Royal University Hospital, which opened its doors in October 2022 after five years of delays and issues, including the collapse of the main contractor on the project.
The state-of-the-art hospital is the biggest in the country, providing inpatients with 100% single en-suite bedrooms, said to improve patient experience, safety and enhanced recovery. However, like many it is struggling amid the current NHS crisis and a number of doctors have raised concerns that the new hospital has fewer beds than its predecessor.
READ MORE: Live updates as Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Merseyside
During the visit, the Prince and Princess visited a ward to see the hospital's new facilities, and meet staff who have been working at the hospital during the busy winter period, including support staff and mental health first aiders, to thank them for their service.
For the event, Princess Kate opted for an dark outfit under a double-breasted green and blue tartan coat by Holland Cooper. The piece, which retails online for £749, has a longline silhouette and is made of a wool blend.
Kate previously wore the coat as she stepped out to plant a tree in memory of the late Queen at Westminster last month. The Princess, 41, also wore a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings, believed to have once belonged to Princess Diana.
The Princess started to wear the earrings shortly after becoming engaged to William.
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