After her first solo engagement last month, the Duchess of Cambridge is approaching another milestone as a royal.Kate has scheduled her first public speech – which will take place on March 19 at the opening of The Treehouse, a hospice service for Suffolk and Essex.
It is run by one of the charities of which she is patron – East Anglia Children's Hospices. As well as giving her first public address, Kate will also tour the facilities at the centre, which was built from funds raised by a £3 million appeal. She will also meet with staff and patients, and plant a tree in the grounds. Aides say she is "very much looking forward" to the visit.
Prince William's wife is also due to make her first solo military engagement during St Patrick's Day on March 17. She will give out shamrocks to 40 Officers and Warrant Officers, who will then issue them along the ranks of the Irish Guards. Kate's husband holds the rank of colonel in the regiment and wore the uniform on their wedding day.
