The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, gave her first speech of the Royal Tour in Australia on Friday afternoon, before later admitting that she was "ready for a big sob", after the emotional visit. Speaking at Bear Cottage, Kate told the parents, children and staff that it was "wonderful to be here today".
The Duchess of Cambridge takes part in music therapy with the children at Bear Cottage
"The haven that you have created here is inspirational, and there is so much that you can share with each other as you continue to support and nurture those in your care," she added, as she spent over an hour with the children who use the hospice. During the visit Prince William met a nine-month-old named Max McIntyre, and the young baby reportedly reminded William of his son, Prince George. "I welled up and was really worried I would start crying", William later said.In the UK, Kate is the patron of East Anglia Children's Hospice and has previously visited hospices in Malaysia, and the Rainbow Place Children's Hospice in New Zealand during the first half of the Cambridge’s Royal Tour.
Bear Cottage is one of only two children’s hospices in Australia, and Kate discussed how important hospice care can be for families. Speaking in front of Prime Minister Tony Abbot, Kate said: "First-class delivery of children's palliative care is life-changing. When families are confronted with the shattering news that their children have a life-limiting condition, their world can fall apart. It is at those times that professional support is imperative."
She went on to add: "William and I are strong believers in collaborative work. The sharing of best practise is transformational for organisations. The needs of families requiring children palliative care across the world is varied, certainly, circumstances and environments can differ but the aim of those supporting them is the same, to offer the best and most loving care."
When at the hospice the Duke and Duchess split up as Kate chose to spend time with the children while William spoke privately with the parents.
Kate was also involved with a music therapy class where she partook in a rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and visited the centre’s quiet room, before later rejoining William for an informal afternoon tea in the centre’s garden where the royal couple were presented with artwork painted by the children of Bear Cottage.
Their visit, which reportedly overran by 30 minutes because the pair were so keen to speak to as many families as possible, came after a visit to the Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park
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The Duchess, who had opted for a light white dress with short sleeves and donned nude wedge shoes with the frock, apparently joked at the show that William could use the wool being sheared to cover up a bald patch on his head.
Kate's speech
It really is wonderful to be here today - having the chance to meet you all and to see the incredible work of Bear Cottage. First class delivery of children's palliative care is life changing. When families are confronted with the shattering news that their children have a life limiting condition, their world can fall apart. It is at those times that professional support is imperative.I first saw this through East Anglia's Children's Hospices and have since been fortunate to see similar work in Malaysia, then last week at Rainbow Place in New Zealand, and now here today. William and I are strong believers in collaborative work. The sharing of best practice is transformational for organisations. The needs of families requiring children's palliative care across the world are varied. Circumstances and environment can differ - but the aim of those supporting them is the same - to offer the best and most loving care possible.I am delighted that Bear Cottage and EACH are planning to be part of a 'community of best practice'. The haven that you have created here is inspirational, and there is so much that you can share with each other as you continue to support and nurture those in your care.If I may, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has welcomed me and George so incredibly warmly on our first visit. To be here together as a family has been very special and we will always remember it with fond and happy memories.Thank you for inviting us here and for such a generous welcome.