Ipswich, ENGLAND (CNN) - The Duchess of Cambridge stepped up to the podium for the first time Monday. Prince William's wife, Kate, made her first official speech as a Royal at the opening of a children's hospice facility in Ipswich, England. She said she was grateful for the opportunity.
"First of all, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for not only accepting me as your patron, but thank you also for inviting me here today," she said. "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."
The Duchess also met with patients at the facility and planted a tree.
