The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, will help lead the celebrations next month as Sports Aid marks its 40th anniversary. It has been confirmed that the royal will attend a special dinner at Kensington Palace on Thursday 9 June, in honour of the special occasion.Kate has been a patron of Sports Aid since 2013 following on from her interest and involvement during London 2012, and has carried out several engagements in the past to show her support.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess will attend a celebratory dinner in honour of SportsAid's 40th birthday
The dinner is being held to showcase the work of the charity, which provides financial support and recognition to the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians in the critical early stages of their careers. Athletes, select guests and partners will be invited to attend the exclusive event at Kensington Palace – which is famously also home to the Duchess and her family.In April, Kate penned a thoughtful birthday message to SportsAid, in which she praised its contribution to British sport.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe sporty royal has been patron of the charity since 2013
"As Patron, I would like to wish SportsAid a very happy 40th birthday, and offer my best wishes to everyone who has played a part in their success," she wrote. "Thank you to those who have, and are, supporting SportsAid. Your efforts make a huge difference to thousands of young people and their families.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate has taken part in a number of SportsAid engagements in the past
"Everyone involved in this great cause should be incredibly proud of the impact SportsAid has had on the success of British sport over the last four decades. "The Duchess, who signed the printed letter Catherine, most recently carried out an engagement with SportsAid in November 2014, when she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte.
