Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is to start making more speeches, and step-up the momentum in her work for children’s causes, The Sunday Mirror reports.
An unnamed source has spoken to the paper, claiming that the Duchess has been nervous about public speaking in the past, partly because of the media furore that surrounds her wherever she goes: often then focus is on her clothes and style, as opposed to the cause she is supporting.
The Duchess is to start giving more speeches, a source says. Bigstock
“The Duchess hasn’t given that many speeches and when she has, she has felt the pressure as a newer member of the Royal Family in the spotlight. That has sometimes unfairly led to suggestions that she doesn’t have much to say. In fact the opposite is true.”
“The tone of some of the reporting of the Duchess has not always chimed with the woman she really is. She is highly intelligent, well-briefed and does her research, including reading scientific papers. She is very engaged with all the issues concerning young people and is at the heart of a great many conversations behind palace gates.”
Catherine has made less than a handful of speeches in her four years as a working member of the Royal Family, along with a number of video messages supporting causes such as Children’s Mental Health Week and Children’s Hospice Week.
Kate, 33, has recently been championing mental health support and ending the stigmaof in young people, including marking World Mental Health Day with husband William.
“When it comes to her charities, the Duchess has always read up but now she feels it is time to speak up too. We have already seen her leading the conversation about children’s mental health and she has taken great confidence from that,” the source continued.
“This is all coming from the Duchess. She is going to be making more speeches and we will be hearing her voice coming through on a lot more Royal engagements from now on.”
It has been noted that mum to Prince George and Princess Charlotte has seemed more confident in front on the camera for videos such as those mentioned, though the Palace will not confirm if Kate has received training.
George VI was helped by Lionel Logue for his stammer and shyness, while Peter Settelen assisted Diana, Princess of Wales.
Other causes Kate champions for children include hospices and palliative care, as well as sport and involving young people, hoping to inspire life-long passions, and encourage healthy living.
Brother-in-law Harry is currently focussing on injured veterans and the use of sport in their rehabilition, while Prince William is tackling conservation issues. All three areas are supported by The Royal Foundation, William, Kate and Harry’s charitable fundraising organisation.
