The Duchess has involved herself with the charities supported by her husband and his brother, Prince Harry. On 29 September 2011, the Duchess officially became a patron of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. In November 2011, April 2012 and November 2012, she and the Duke attended the biannual Princes’ Charities Forum, which unites the various charitable interests of the two princes. In June 2012, The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry was renamed The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, to reflect Catherine’s contribution to the charity.
The Duke and Duchess were announced as Ambassadors for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, alongside Prince Harry. The Duchess attend both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics. On 29 August 2012, the Duchess attended the Paralympic Opening Ceremony accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Cambridge. As part of her role, the Duchess attended numerous sporting events throughout the games.
In September 2012, the Duke and Duchess embarked on a tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands as part of the Royal Jubilee celebrations. During this overseas visit, the Duchess made her first official speech abroad, while visiting a hospice in Malaysia, drawing on her experience as patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
Patronages
In March 2011, William and Catherine set up a gift fund held by The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry to allow well-wishers who want to give them a wedding gift to donate money to
charities they care about instead. The gift fund supported 26 charities of the couple’s choice, incorporating the armed forces, children, the elderly, art, sport and conservation. These causes are close to their hearts and reflect the experiences, passions and values of their lives so far.
In January 2012, the Duchess announced the first charities which she will support.
These are:
- The Art Room;
- The National Portrait Gallery, London;
- East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH);
- Action on Addiction.
She will also be a local volunteer leader with The Scout Association in Anglesey, north Wales, her marital home. In December 2012 Australian radio hosts Michael Christian and Mel Greig called King Edward VII’s Hospital Sister Agnes where the Duchess was an in-patient for a pregnancy-related medical condition. Pretending to be The Queen and The Prince of Wales, Christian and Greig telephoned the hospital and spoke with nurse Jacintha Saldanha and inquired about the Duchess’ condition. Following a hospital inquiry and a public backlash against the hoax, Saldanha was found dead in her room. The Australian radio hosts subsequently apologised for their actions.
Titles and styles
- Royal styles of The Duchess of Cambridge
- Reference style Her Royal Highness
- Spoken style Your Royal Highness
- Alternative style Ma’am
9 January 1982 – 29 April 2011: Miss Catherine Elizabeth Middleton
29 April 2011 – present: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge
in Scotland: 29 April 2011 – present: Her Royal Highness The Countess of Strathearn Catherine’s full title and style is Her Royal Highness Princess William, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus.
Unlike the majority of royal brides, and in contrast to most previous consorts-in-waiting for over 350 years, Catherine’s immediate family is neither royal nor aristocratic. On the morning of their wedding day on 29 April 2011, at 8:00 am, officials at Buckingham Palace announced that in accordance with royal tradition and on recognition of the day by the Queen, Prince William was created Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
