Kate Middleton Makes First Public Address
Kate Middleton has delivered her first public address at The Treehouse children's hospice on Monday.
Wearing a blue dress from Reiss, the Duchess of Cambridge spoke in front of over 600 spectators in Ipswich, Suffolk. The milestone was marked by a three-minute speech where the Duchess called the hospice's work "inspirational" and a "shining example."
The Treehouse is run by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which supports children and young people with life-threatening conditions. The hospice is one of the organizations Kate carefully selected to dedicate her time to as a patron.
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"First of all, I'd like to say thank you," stared the Duchess in a clear, quiet voice on Monday. "Thank you for not only accepting me as your Patron but thank you also for inviting me here today."
According to a source close to the Duchess, the blue dress Kate wore Monday is the same one that her mother, Carole Middleton, wore to Ascot in 2010. The insider added that Kate often borrow clothing from her 57-year-old mother when she needs something special, reported the U.K.'s Daily Mail.
The 30-year-old accessorized the blue dress with a silver cross necklace and black belt and heels.
She has stepped out in a series of solo appearances while her husband, Prince William, completes his Royal Air Force deployment in the Falkland Islands. The Duchess apologized for her husband's absence during Monday's outing.
"I am only sorry that William can't be here today; he would love it here." she said. "A view of his- that I share- is that through teamwork, so much can be achieved. What you have all achieved here is extraordinary."
Earlier last week, Kate made headlines when she made her first solo military appearance for St. Patrick's Day Saturday. While she handed out shamrocks to Irish guards, one guard passed out reportedly from excitement.
Additionally, the Duchess paid a visit to the British women's field hockey team and even scored a goal ahead of this summer's London Games.
