The future Queen, Princess Kate, has conducted hundreds of engagements over the years and has grown in confidence, but she still finds one aspect of royal life ‘nerve wracking’
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, delivered her inaugural speech in an official capacity nearly a year after marrying Prince William, marking 13 years since that momentous day for one of her early patronages, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
On the 19th March 2012, while opening a new hospice called the Treehouse centre in Ipswich, built through a massively successful £3 million fundraising campaign by EACH taking just 12 months, the future Queen publicly spoke for the first time at this event.
With understandable nerves, she addressed those present, quoting a shared belief with William: “A view of his – that I share – is that through teamwork, so much can be achieved.”
Now, over ten years later, Kate has received copious praise for the significant advancement in her public speaking and confidence, having represented hundreds of engagements and honing expertise in vital issues such as Early Years Development and children’s mental health.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams spoke to the Express, lauding Kate’s progress: “Catherine’s public speaking style has come a long way from her early attempts. Her speeches now reflect her natural charm and enthusiasm.”
He added admiration for her adaptation to one of the most scrutinised roles globally: “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 initial public speech in 2012, the then-Duchess of Cambridge confessed to a guest, “I find doing speeches nerve-racking”.
Royal commentator Mr Fitzwilliams remarked: “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 made an appearance on March 17 at the Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day parade in London, marking her sixth solo engagement of the year. This visit continues her gradual return to Royal duties following her announcement that she is in remission from cancer.
So far this year, she has participated in 11 public events, including a joint appearance with Prince William at the Wales vs England Six Nations Match in Cardiff last Saturday.
The Princess of Wales has been embracing more responsibilities and patronages, indicative of her increasingly significant role within the Royal Family. Her engagements are characterised by her authentic interest and compassion, traits that have won over the public and cemented her status as a future queen consort.
Kate initially started her Royal journey in the shadow of William, appearing shy at times during the early stages. However, as a mother of three and a figurehead for various charities, her confidence has blossomed and she is now viewed as a modern-day Royal matriarch.
Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously shared with 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.”
