kate middleton speeches© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Kate's first royal speech - see how it compares to now in videos

The Princess of Wales passed a big milestone 11 months after her royal wedding

Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
March 6, 2023

The Princess of Wales regularly makes speeches during her royal duties, and can you believe it's been 11 years this month since we first heard Kate speak in an official capacity as the Duchess of Cambridge?

While it was widely reported at the time that Kate was not comfortable with public speaking, she didn't let her nerves get the better of her as she formally opened the Treehouse hospice in Ipswich on 19 March 2012.

See what the Princess had to say and her little quip about Prince William in the clip below…

WATCH: Princess Kate's first ever royal speech

Kate's speech, which took place 11 months after her royal wedding, was for one her first patronages – East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

Since then, the royal mum-of-three has clearly grown in confidence with her public speeches. The Princess launched a new campaign, Shaping Us, earlier this year, as part of her early years work.

LATEST: Princess Kate makes hilarious confession about little Prince Louis

© Photo: Getty Images

Kate gave her first speech at EACH's Treehouse Hospice

Take a look at her most recent public address as she wowed in a red trouser suit at BAFTA HQ for the campaign's pre-launch event.

WATCH: Kate makes pledge to parents as she launches Shaping Us Campaign

While the royals speak and meet with thousands of people each year, understandably they feel anxious or nervous at times too.

Kate even shared a frank admission during a royal outing at Kirkgate Market in Leeds earlier this year.

One royal fan asked the Princess for a selfie, and as he held up his phone to capture the moment with the royal, he said: "Sorry I am really nervous."

Kate responded, reassuringly: "Please don't worry, it's ok, we all get nervous. Nice to meet you, take care."

How sweet!

LISTEN: Kate's royal tour fashion choices revealed!

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