Fresh from reports of a bitter feud with her sister-in-law Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton has returned to what she does best — showing off her nurturing side at a British children’s hospital.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 36, was named as the new patron of Evelina London Children’s hospital ahead of her trip there today with husband Prince William, according toThe Sun.

The role will give the mum-of-three the opportunity to champion medical professionals and shine a light on their work supporting youngsters in their early years.

Along with Prince William, she joined the children and their families to take part in Christmas activities at the hospital, which marks its 150th anniversary next year.

Marian Ridley, director of Evelina London, said: “The Duchess shares our passion for giving children and young people the very best start in life and her royal highness’s support will help champion the lifesaving care our staff are providing to our patients”.

“It is a huge pleasure to welcome their royal highnesses back to our hospital and we are absolutely delighted that they are able to join us as we begin to celebrate our milestone 150th anniversary.”

Evelina London provides comprehensive health services to children and families from before birth, throughout childhood and into adult life.

Prince William first visited the charity in 1994 with his brother Prince Harry, when the pair were 12 and 10, alongside their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

In 2016, the Duke reopened the newly refurbished St Vincent’s Centre in Victoria, central London.

The appearance came amid rumours of a rift between Meghan and Kate, suggesting the pair fell out at least a year ago.

There have been countless articles quoting sources who claim Kate was “in tears” after a tense bridesmaid fitting with her daughter Princess Charlotte, 3, and Meghan earlier this year, that Kate was left furious over the way Meghan was talking to her staff, and that Prince Harry had been unhappy with his brother, Prince William, last Christmas for refusing to “roll out the red carpet” for his new fiancee.

Adding weight to the reports was the sudden announcement last week that Harry and Meghan — who are expecting their first child next year — wouldn’t be taking up the offer to live in a luxurious apartment next door to William and Kate in Kensington Palace, and would instead move to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor Castle.