Duchess Kate announces charity patronages
(CBS) The Duchess of Cambridge is kicking off the new year by doing some good - the palace announced Wednesday that she has taken on four new charity patronages.
Pictures: Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
Pictures: William and Kate visit London charity
The former Kate Middleton, who turns 30 on Monday, has accepted honorary positions as patron of Actions on Addiction, royal patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, royal patron of The Art Room and patron of the National Portrait Gallery in London. She will also become a volunteer for the Scout Association.
"The Duchess's first Patronages and her volunteer position reflect 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," St. James' Palace said in a statement.
Action on Addiction, which has centers throughout England, works to provide research, prevention, treatment, professional education and support for families. The charity said on its website that Kate paid a private visit to one of its treatment centers and spoke to clients about their addiction and personal journeys to recovery.
Chief Executive Nick Barton said in a statement, "It is a great honor for the charity that Her Royal Highness has chosen to become our patron. We are very grateful to the Duchess whose support will enable us to keep the issue of addiction in the spotlight."
East Anglia's Children's Hospices supports children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. "The Duchess' support will help us increase the awareness and understanding of the full range of services we offer children and families, and really celebrates the great work being done by all children's hospices across the U.K.," chief executive Graham Butler said on the organization's website.
The Art Room offers art therapy to children ages 5-16, to raise their self confidence and independence. Founder and director Juli Beattie told BBC News, "We're absolutely delighted, we're overwhelmed and thrilled. This is just fantastic, it will raise the profile of the charity and get people to see the work we are doing."
The National Portrait Gallery, which displays its extensive collection in London and other locations around the U.K., said on Twitter that it is "delighted" the duchess chose to support the organization by becoming its patron.
Kate is already a patron of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, founded by her husband and his brother, but these are her first independent patronages.
"The Duchess' new roles reflect Her Royal Highness's wish to support the Royal Family's work in highlighting important causes in the charitable and voluntary sector and the arts," St. James' Palace said. "The Duchess has chosen to support organizations that complement the charitable work already undertaken by her husband."
In addition to the patronages, Kate, who was a Brownie as a child, will volunteer with the Scout Organization, spending time privately with groups in north Wales and elsewhere as opportunities arise.
