After apologising that her husband William was unable to attend, with nervous laughter from the crowd, she made a carefully rehearsed speech. The elocution lessons have clearly paid off.

She told the small crowd at the East Anglia Children’s Hospices “The feelings you inspire – feelings of love and of hope – offer a chance to families to live a life they never thought could be possible.”

Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge’s husband Price William is due to return from his tour of duty in the Falkland islands next week.

The duchess formerly known as Kate has been kept busy in his absence with several public engagements, attending events for the various charities to which she is a patron. These include the National Portrait Gallery, East Anglia Children’s HospicesAction on Addiction and The Art Room.

Watch Kate’s first speech in the video below…