Mila Sneddon, of Falkirk, underwent intensive chemotherapy for leukaemia last year, as she bravely battled the illness. As a result, the youngster was forced to shield during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. She was photographed kissing her father through a window during the lockdown by her mother, Lynda.

       Mila's dad, Scott, had to go in to work and was afraid that he might infect his daughter with the lethal virus, so was forced to live apart from his family.

       The photo, entitled Shielding Mila, was one of the 100 images included in the Duchess of Cambridge's book Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020.

       Kate, 39, later spoke to little Mila on the phone, before meeting her for tea at Holyrood in May this year.

       Lynda revealed to Hello! magazine how she was struck by the Duchess' caring and considerate nature.

       "I can't put into words how remarkable the Duchess of Cambridge has been," she said.

       "She was so caring and considerate.

       READ MORE: Sophie and Edward ‘respected’ amid ‘noise’ of Cambridge-Sussex rift

       "I got a real sense of her being a mother in the way she spoke to Mila.

       "There were challenges, because of all the Covid restrictions and wearing masks, but she said she wanted to give Mila a big hug."

       Mila wore a tiny crown and matching pink shoes for her Holyrood meeting with Kate.

       For her part, the Duchess of Cambridge stayed true to her promise to wear pink, Mila's favourite colour.

       DON'T MISS

       Which Royal is the keenest gardener? The 3 royals with green thumbs [Reveal]

       'So proud of you!' Kate Middleton lauds Emma Raducanu's record-brea... [Spotlight]

       How Kate Middleton made royal history with wedding tiara choice [Insight]

       Kate wore a ME+EM's silk shirt dress which featured a dipped midi hemline and pleated detailing, with tan heels and a floral face covering.

       In an interview with Lorraine Today after the rendezvous, Lynda said: "It was an incredible experience and we were really well taken care of and memories that we’ll treasure for a lifetime.

       "It was such a surreal experience, where we were seated as their guests was just phenomenal and it's been very much appreciated.. after a difficult time."