PA
Kate Middleton has left a nine-year-old cancer sufferer thrilled after writing him a personal letter on St James's Palace headed notepaper.
After meeting Fabian Bate at the Royal Marsden Hospital whilst on an official engagement with Prince William, Kate promised she would write some words for his blog.
But the youngster, who is being treated for leukemia, was stunned when a letter from Kate arrived at his home.
In the typed letter with Fabian's name and Kate's signature added in ink, the Duchess wrote: "I very much enjoyed meeting you at the Royal Marsden Hospital last month. Despite the enormously demanding course of treatment you are undergoing I was so touched by your strength of character, and delighted to hear the news that one of your big sisters will be able to donate bone marrow to you later this year. I will keep my fingers crossed that your health goes from strength to strength over the months ahead.
"This must be a troubling time for you, your parents and your sisters, but I know I left the Royal Marsden assured by how incredibly talented, kind and clever the team at the hospital are. Combined with your belief and positive energy, you couldn't be in better hands.
"Keep up the good work with the blog and in the meantime I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers,
Catherine."
Fabian's dad, Darrell, 47, said that the letter now has pride of place in their home in Marlston, Berkshire, adding: "She really personalised it and obviously remembered him."
Fabian is due to have a bone marrow test tomorrow to see if he is in remission and if he can receive a bone marrow transplant from one of his sisters, Casiia, 11, or Oleander, 17.
Prince William took over as president of the Royal Marsden following his mother's death in 1997. Princess Diana had toured the hospital as her first solo engagement in 1982, before becoming its president.
What a lovely story - and what a letter for Fabian to treasure!