Kate Middleton's Charity Choices Draw Comparisons to Princess Diana
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has revealed that the youth charities she will officially support, drawing even more comparison to Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana, who also chose to lend her time to youth organizations.
Middleton has accepted honorary positions with some of the following charities: Action on Addiction, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, The Art Room, and the National Portrait. Additionally, she is a volunteer for the Scout Association.
"She did her own research and chose these after approaches or because they reflected the areas she was already aware of, especially in the arts and outdoor activities," a palace source told People magazine.
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A former Brownie, the Scout Association is a cause close to the Duchess’ heart. Kate will serve as a leader to the Beaver and Cub Scouts – the youngest members of the pack. She will also help with activities such as teaching first aid, helping out with cooking and campfires, and running games, the Scout Association said.
Middleton has also become a Royal Patron of an organization where children ages five to 16 can receive art therapy. The Art Room works with kids to increase their independence, self-esteem, and self-confidence through art. The Duchess is also set to become the Patron of London’s National Portrait Gallery, which holds the creative work of historically important and famous British people.
Kate Middleton has also lent her support to Action on Addiction, an anti-drug charity. The goal of the organization is to take a “dynamic and integrated approach to improving our understanding of addiction and our responses to it.”
“It is a great honor for the charity that Her Royal Highness has chosen to become our patron," Chief Executive Nick Barton said, according to ABC News. "We are thrilled that the Duchess will be supporting us in our mission to free people from addiction and its effects.”
Kate is also set to become the Royal Patron of an organization that helps children with life-threatening diseases, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. According to ABC, the Duchess chose this charity in particular because its main issue – palliative care – particularly touching.
Over the coming months, Kate will make both private and public visits to meet with these organizations.
In September, Prince William and Kate Middleton opened a children’s cancer center and the Duchess had sent a letter of support to one of the young patients receiving treatment at Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Kate sent a heartfelt note to Fabian Bate, who is battling leukemia. Middleton said she was touched by the 9-year-old's “strength of character.”
According to the London Evening Standard, this was possibly Middleton’s first personal act of charity since marrying Prince William.
The letter, dated Oct. 13, was written on St. James’ Palace letterhead and signed “Catherine.”
“Despite the enormously demanding course of treatment you are undergoing, I was so touched by your strength of character and delighted to hear the news that one of your big sisters will be able to donate bone marrow to you later this year,” Middleton wrote. “I will keep my fingers crossed that your health goes from strength to strength over the months ahead.”
She added, "This must be a troubling time for you, your parents and your sisters, but I know I left the Royal Marsden assured by how incredibly talented, kind and clever the team at the hospital are. Combined with your belief and positive energy, you couldn't be in better hands."
Prince William has also followed his mother, Princess Diana's lead, taking up her former position as president of the British hospital.
