Kate made her first public speech as a working Royal today and took her thrifty style choices to a new level, wearing something that was old, borrowed, and blue for luck; a full-length belted dress belonging to her mum, Carole.

Carole first wore the blue dress from chain store Reiss with a black belt to Ascot two years ago.

The Duchess, the royal patron of East Anglia's Children’s Hospices (EACH), was in Ipswich to launch the organization's new facility—the Treehouse—where dozens of youngsters are cared for by dedicated staff. Kate attended a reception for staff and supporters of the hospice and told one member of staff: “I find doing speeches nerve-wracking.”

Kate told her audience: “You have all made me feel so welcome and I feel hugely honored to be here to see this wonderful center. I am only sorry that William can’t be here today; he would love it here. A view of his—that I share—is that through teamwork, so much can be achieved.

“What you have all achieved here is extraordinary. You as a community have built the Treehouse; a group of people who have made every effort to support and help each other.

“When I first visited the hospice in Milton, I had a preconceived idea as to what to expect. Far from being a clinical, depressing place for sick children, it was a home. Most importantly, it was a family home, a happy place of stability, support and care. It was a place of fun.”