Kate Middleton Makes Her First Royal Tour Speech in Sydney

Kate Middleton, who along with Prince William and baby George is on the the second leg of a 19 day official visit to New Zealand and Australia, has made her first speech of the royal tour.

The 32-year-old Duchess delivered the speech during a visit to the Bear Cottage children's hospice, one of just two children's hospices in Australia, in Manly, Sydney on Good Friday.

Kate thanked the Australian people, who she said welcomed her and Prince George "so incredibly warmly" on their first visit to the commonwealth country.

"To be here together as a family has been very special and we will always remember it with fond and happy memories," she said.

Her Royal Highness, who is a keen supporter of children's hospices herself and is Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospice (EACH), one of the first patronages she took on after her marriage to Prince William, described the centre as a "haven" that was "inspirational".

"First class delivery of children's palliative care is life changing," the Duchess said as she gave speech after meeting families being supported by the hospice.

"When families are confronted with the shattering news that their children have a life limiting condition, their world can fall apart. It is at those times that professional support is imperative."

The Duchess of Cambridge shared her experience of her association with EACH and being a supporter of hospices.

"The needs of families requiring children's palliative care across the world are varied. Circumstances and environment can differ - but the aim of those supporting them is the same - to offer the best and most loving care possible," said Kate, who was moved to tears as she met a dying baby the same age as Prince George.

Kate, who also visited Rainbow Place hospice during the royal tour in New Zealand last week said: "The haven that you have created here is inspirational, and there is so much that you can share with each other as you continue to support and nurture those in your care."