Kate battles nerves to give first public speech

LONDON: Prince William’s wife Catherine gave a steady performance in her first public speech as a royal, conquering her nerves to address children and staff at a hospice.

She looked confident though sounded a little apprehensive as she paid tribute to staff and volunteers’ efforts helping children with life-threatening conditions at the Treehouse centre in Ipswich, eastern England yesterday.

Catherine, who was wearing a royal-blue dress which fashion commentators said was identical to one worn by her mother two years ago, confessed to one wellwisher after the address: “I find doing speeches nerve-wracking.”

The 30-year-old Duchess of Cambridge, formerly known as Kate Middleton, appeared to have memorised the speech, glancing at her notes only occasionally.

I amonly sorry that William can’t be here today; he would love it here. — DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE

She told a packed audience she regretted that William, the second in line to the throne, could not be with her – he is in his final week of a six-week training period as an air force helicopter pilot in the Falkland Islands.

“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.”

Catherine visited the charity privately last year when researching which causes she wanted to support. — AFP