Duchess of Cambridge makes public speech

Welcome to East Anglia! We're in sunny Ipswich to bring you live coverage of the Duchess of Cambridge's first public speech.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:08:11 AM
Kate is in town to visits one of her charities - East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:08:19 AM
She will address the organisation's staff, supporters and the families of children with life-threatening conditions who are supported and cared for by the charity which works across Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:08:31 AM
Members of the public here an hour early hoping for a glimpse of the Duchess t.co.

by jaomahony via twitter 3/19/2012 10:08:47 AM
The crowds are already three deep and in good voice! She's due to arrive at around 10:30 local time.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:11:01 AM
Kate is 'so lovely and natural' says Brian Stollery from a village outside Ipswich.

by jaomahony via twitter 3/19/2012 10:11:24 AM
QUOTE: "Having our work recognised in this way by Her Royal Highness is not only a tribute to our staff and supporters, but a huge boost for the children, young people and families receiving our care and support." - Graham Butland, EACH Chief Executive

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:13:24 AM
It can't be describe as warm, but the sun is out in Ipswich and our weather partners, MeteoGroup, are confident that it won't rain on Kate's parade...

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:17:09 AM
The Duchess of Cambridge will make her first public speech today at @EACH_hospices of which she is Royal Patron - t.co

by Clarence House via twitter 3/19/2012 10:19:37 AM
Inside @EACH_hospices where the children and families are getting ready to meet the Duchess. Big smiles on lots of faces. #EACHroyalvisit

by Lizzie_Parry1 via twitter 3/19/2012 10:19:45 AM
The Duchess will formally open The Treehouse - a hospice service for Suffolk and Essex run by EACH. The new facility was only made possible by the generosity of donors who raised £3 million in less than 12 months. An amazing effort.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:29:18 AM
The Duchess has been busy of late and the media have been lapping her up. We're sure her likeness will grace the front of tomorrow's newspapers. Let's see if we can identify today's 'killer' shot...

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:29:58 AM
BREAKING NEWS: The Duchess has arrived in Ipswich.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:31:02 AM
Kate arrives in a blue dress t.co.

by jaomahony via twitter 3/19/2012 10:31:55 AM
Kate is meeting dignitaries outside The Treehouse. She's wearing a simple blue dress accessorised with a black belt and a small, black clutch.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:32:54 AM
Kate will meet officials at the hospice and plant a tree in the garden. Speech expected in around an hour.

by jaomahony via twitter 3/19/2012 10:33:51 AM
The first shot! The Duchess can be seen greeting representatives of EACH outside The Treehouse.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:36:31 AM
The Duchess of Cambridge is due to arrive any minute! Exciting! #EACHroyalvisit

by EACH_hospices via twitter 3/19/2012 10:36:55 AM
FASHION WATCH: We gather that the Duchess is wearing a Reiss dress in electric blue. Confirmation to follow!

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:38:56 AM
The Duchess is now on a private tour of the facilities. She will inspect the sensory room and music room, and meet children and their families who receive care and support from the hospice service, as well as staff and supporters.

by Andy Jackson, PA 3/19/2012 10:48:09 AM

Duchess of Cambridge makes public speech

The latest on the royal's first public speaking engagement in Ipswich