Ever since the wedding watched ’round the world last spring, all eyes have been on
Kate Middleton. From her fashion choices to her potential pregnancy, the world wants more of the popular Duchess. And now, some new tidbits have been released.
Due to her royal standing, there was never a question as to whether Middleton would become involved in charity work, but there has been intense speculation about where she would devote her energies.
For the past several months, she has been researching various organizations, determining which ones she can best serve. People.com cites a palace source as saying that the Duchess of Cambridge sifted through hundreds of requests, and that, “She did her own research and chose these after approaches or because they reflected the areas she was already aware of, especially in the arts and outdoor activities.”
Now those picks have been made public.
She will serve as:
Patron of Action on Addiction, an organization that helps children and families affected by substance abuse. According to People’s palace source, her decision stems from an observation that addiction “lay at the heart of many of the social issues she was looking at.”
Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, which cares for terminal children and those with life-threatening diseases. The organization is based in Cambridge, which also played a role in her choice.
Royal Patron of The Art Room, which aids children by using art as therapy. Middleton has already visited The Art Room, prompting the organization’s founder to say, “It is a fantastic endorsement of . . . the role that art and creativity can play in helping children and young people whose start in life has been difficult.”
Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, London, which reflects her interest in art, which she studied at St. Andrews University.
The royal’s press secretary released a statement about the diverse nature of Middleton’s choices, saying that her picks represent ”Her Royal Highness’s personal interests in the arts, the promotion of outdoor activity, and supporting people who are in need of all ages, especially young children” and will “complement the charitable work already undertaken by her husband.”
In addition to her official patronages, Middleton will perform private volunteer work in North Wales, and will serve as a volunteer in the Scout Association. As a former Brownie, the organization is close to her heart and will provide a way for her to get involved within the community.
According to a spokesman for the Scouts, Middleton “is a big hill-walker and does a lot of outdoor pursuits. So, she might teach them how to pack a rucksack, how to put a tent up, cooking in a camp situation. All those sorts of things are skills she might pass on as she’s an adult who’s got some expertise in that area.”
Hopefully, now that these tough decisions have been made, Middleton can take a few days to relax and have fun — the Duchess celebrates her 30th birthday on Monday, January 9!