Kate makes first public speech

It was the Duchess of Cambridge's first public speech since becoming royal.

An hour outside of London, Kate presided over the opening of the Treehouse hospice facility for children.

SOUNDBITE: Duchess of Cambridge Catherine saying:

"You have all made me feel so welcome and I feel hugely honored to be here to see this wonderful center. I am only sorry that William can't be here today. He would love it here. A view of his, that I share, is that through teamwork so much can be achieved. What you have all achieved here is extraordinary. For many this is a home from home, a lifeline enabling families to live as normally as possible during a very precious period of time. What you do is inspirational, it is a shining example of the support and the care which is delivered not just here but in the Children's Hospice Movement at large up and down the country. I feel enormously proud to be a part of East Anglia Childrens Hospices and to see the life-changing work you do."

Kate who is the center's royal patron, toured the facility, and spent time visiting with some of the children and staff there. Before leaving, she also took a moment to plant a commemorative tree.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.