CHILDREN and staff at Hampshire's children's hospice were eagerly awaiting a royal visitor this afternoon.

The Duchess of Cambridge was due to visit Naomi House at Sutton Scotney, near Winchester, to help celebrate Children's Hospice Week.

Kate, who is expecting a baby later this year, was set to tour the facilities, both Naomi House and Jacksplace, the unit for young adults.

She was due to join a tea party with some of the children and their families, staff and volunteers, and watch a musical performance by Ollie Wade from Winchester of Free a song he wrote in memory of his brother Ben who had stayed at Naomi House and died in 2011.

The duchess has been highlighting the work of hospices across the country. Most rely on charitable donations, receiving little state funding.

Naomi House needs to raise £7m a year to meet running costs.