It has been 13 years since the Princess of Wales, gave her first-ever speech in an official capacity for one of her first patronages – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), almost a year after she married Prince William. The future Queen was opening a new children’s hospice run by one of her charities and gave her first official speech at the enagement on 19 March, 2012. Understandably, the Princess was slightly nervous as she stood up to address the room.
Referring to a view she shared with William, Kate said: “A view of his — that I share — is that through teamwork, so much can be achieved.” Kate was visiting the new Treehouse centre in Ipswich, built after £3 million was raised in just 12 months following an appeal by EACH.
Over a decade on, and Kate has been showered in praise for “coming a long way” in her public speaking and confidence, now having conducted hundreds of engagements and having developed a keen expertise in areas such as Early Years Development and children’s mental health.
Leading royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively told Express.co.uk: “Catherine’s public speaking style has come a long way from her early attempts. Her speeches now reflect her natural charm and enthusiasm.
“It is no mean feat to acclimatise oneself to the demands of one of the most pressurised public roles in the world, that of the future Queen of England.”
After her first public speech in 2012, the-then Duchess sweetly told a guest, “I find doing speeches nerve-racking”.
Mr Fitzwilliams, added: “Catherine reportedly initially confided that she found public speaking ‘nerve-wracking’ and was clearly nervous in her early speeches such as that given at the East Anglia Children’s Hospice.
“In the sole appearance of the so-called ‘Fab Four’ she appeared ill at ease. However, she now speaks in public with conviction and poise, her confidence comes both from experience and also from mastering her brief and also believing in it. The pressures of ill-health from which she has recently suffered so traumatically mean that she is slowly working towards a normal schedule of engagements.”
Princess Kate stepped out for her sixth solo engagement of the year on March 17 at the Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day parade in London. Her visit marked her continued return to royal duties after revealing she was in remission from cancer.
She has made 11 public appearances so far this year, and a joint outing on Saturday when she and her husband, Prince William attended the Wales vs England Six Nations Match in Cardiff.
When it comes to her royal duties, the Princess has taken on more responsibilities and patronages, reflecting her growing role within the monarchy. Her engagements are marked by genuine interest and empathy, qualities that have endeared her to the public and solidified her position as a future queen.
Kate certainly began her royal journey in William’s shadow, and was shy at times in the early days. But as mother of three and charity figurehead, her confidence has grown and she is now looked upon as a royal matriarch for the modern age.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously told OK! Magazine: “She has learned the craft of being royal over a number of years and earned her place as a senior member of the family.
“Gradually, she has also earned the respect of the public and, I believe, of the rest of the family. We look at her now not just as William’s wife, but as our future Queen.”