Ballymena girl’s treasured royal encounter remembered as Princess of Wales marks 10 years with children’s charity

Sofia Sweetlove presents The Princess of Wales with daffodils during her service visit in Northern Ireland in 2019. (Credit: Aaron McCracken Photography) 

Tuesday 10 November 2026

A little girl from Ballymena who presented the Princess of Wales with daffodils picked from her family garden has shared the story behind a treasured photograph, as children’s charity Action for Children celebrates 10 years of royal patronage.

Sofia Sweetlove was just three years old when she met Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, during a visit to Ballymena and Little Steps Antrim Sure Start in February 2019.

Now aged 10, Sofia has no personal recollection of the encounter, but a photograph of her handing the Princess a bouquet of bright yellow flowers still hangs on her bedroom wall.

The special memory has been revisited as Action for Children marks a decade since the Princess became its Royal Patron in 2016, succeeding the late Queen Elizabeth II, who had held the role for 50 years.

A royal surprise in Ballymena

HRH The Princess of Wales, patron of charity Action For Children

For Sofia’s mum, Charlene, the visit was an unforgettable occasion that began with a mysterious invitation to families attending the Sure Start service.

Parents had been told that a VIP would be visiting outside normal opening hours, but the identity of their special guest was being kept under wraps.

“It was all top secret,” Charlene recalled. “I thought maybe it was going to be the Prime Minister.”

By the day before the visit, however, she had begun to suspect that someone from the Royal Family might be coming.

“We picked some daffodils from our garden and that morning, while we were in the waiting room at the doctors’ surgery, I was teaching Sofia how to curtsy just in case!”

When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived, Sofia was playing with other children in her usual room, unaware of the excitement about to unfold.

“My back was to the door so I didn’t see anyone come in,” Charlene said. “Next thing I knew, Princess Kate sat down at our table!

“She was so lovely and engaged. She asked all the children’s names and how Sure Start had helped us. She was so natural and interested in what we had to say.”

A photograph to treasure

Sofia, now aged 10, proudly holds the photograph of her meeting the then Duchess of Cambridge back in 2019. (Credit: Charlene Sweetlove)

Seven years later, the photograph of Sofia presenting her flowers remains a much-loved reminder of the family's royal encounter.

Although Sofia cannot remember meeting the Princess herself, the picture has ensured the occasion has remained part of her childhood.

“She’s grown up seeing that image every day,” Charlene explained. “From such a young age she’s been able to recognise Kate and William when they’re on TV! It’s just such a lovely happy memory for us all.”

Sofia, reflecting on the photograph and the story her family has shared with her, said:

“I can't remember it but I feel very lucky to have met Princess Kate. She will be our Queen one day and not many people meet queens!”

More than a royal visit

For Charlene, the significance of the occasion extends beyond meeting members of the Royal Family. It also brings back memories of the support, friendships and experiences her family enjoyed through Sure Start.

Sofia had attended the service from just a few months old, taking part in activities ranging from baby yoga to Makaton lessons, which use signs and symbols alongside speech to support communication.

Charlene described the service as a welcoming environment where she formed friendships that have lasted well beyond her daughter's early years.

“Sofia and I loved our time at Sure Start. It was such a warm, non-judgemental space with amazing staff. I made so many friends – in fact some of them are still my friends now and our children go to school together!”

The family's experience offers a glimpse of the role early years services can play in supporting parents, helping children develop and building lasting connections within local communities.

Ballymena staff recognised at royal garden party

The Princess of Wales has visited several Action for Children services during her decade as patron, with the charity highlighting the encouragement and recognition those encounters have brought to families, staff and volunteers.

The royal connection has also created memorable opportunities for those working with children and families in Northern Ireland.

In May 2025, Ballymena and Little Steps Antrim Sure Start colleagues Franci Simpson and Allison Shaw attended a Royal Garden Party, where they met the Princess of Wales.

Their invitation was among the opportunities made possible through the charity’s royal patronage, recognising people involved in delivering support to children and families.

A decade of support for children and families

Action for Children works with children, young people and families across the UK, with the Princess's patronage helping to draw attention to the importance of safe childhoods, early intervention and family support.

Brigitte Gater, Managing Director of Children’s Services at Action for Children, said the charity was grateful for the Princess's continued involvement and the recognition it had brought to those delivering its services.

“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with The Princess of Wales and deeply grateful for the support from Her Royal Highness. The patronage has not only helped champion the vital work of Action for Children, but has also brought encouragement and recognition to the thousands of staff, volunteers and supporters who dedicate themselves to helping children and families every day.

“The commitment of The Princess to early childhood and family support reflects values that sit at the heart of our mission, and the visits by Her Royal Highness to our services have helped raise awareness of the importance of giving every child the support they need to thrive.

“For many of the children, families and colleagues involved, those encounters have become treasured lifelong memories.”

For Sofia and Charlene, that lasting memory is captured in a simple photograph: a three-year-old girl, a handful of daffodils from her garden and an unexpected meeting with a future Queen.

But behind the royal occasion is another enduring story — of the friendships, support and sense of belonging that Charlene found at Sure Start, and which remain part of her family's life years later.