Electric blue Kate makes first solo public speech
KATE, Duchess of Cambridge made her first official public speech today as she showed her support for a children's hospice in Ipswich.
The Duchess of Cambridge dressed in an electric blue vintage Reiss Trina dress, cinched in with a black belt looked fantastic as she arrived at the hospice.
The dress was previously worn by Kate's mother Carole Middleton in 2010 when she attended Ascot.
As a royal patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), she undertook her first speech to launch the organisation's new facility - the Treehouse.
The Duchess of Cambridge in an electric blue dress and heels
She said: "I'd like to thank you for inviting me here. I am only sorry that William can't be here today; he would love it here. What you have all achieved her is extraordinary."
Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Ipswich to cheering crowds
The facility helps to empower experiences of children battling life-threatening illnesses and cares for dozens of youngsters needing help.
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The Duchess was greeted by hundreds of cheering residents who lined the barriers ahead of her arrival.
She stopped briefly to chat to some of the well-wishers before heading inside.
In a message of support included in a brochure to accompany the opening of the centre, the Duchess wrote: "Each is a world leader in the way it cares for children with life-threatening conditions and their families, and is at the very forefront of children's palliative care."
Kate gives her first public speech
She added: "I have been deeply moved by the work of Each's dedicated staff - and by the environment of support for families."