The Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Ipswich this morning to visit The Treehouse hospice, which she toured before making her first ever official public address at the event.
Photo: Rex
What better coloured outfit to mark the occasion than a royal blue dress from one of Kate's favourite high street stores, Reiss? Specifically, the Trina dress from 2008 (meaning Reiss can breathe a sigh of relief - no site crashes today!) Kate accessorised her dress with black shoes, belt, clutch and her signature eyeliner.
Kate opens The Treehouse hospice (left), Carole enjoys Ascot. Photos: Goff Photo/Getty
Eagle-eyed Middleton watchers might be interested to note that Carole wore the same dress to Ascot back in 2010 - what do you think? Royal hand-me-down, a nod to her mum's style, or just a sign that the Middleton ladies have a hive mind when it comes to styles and stores?
Oh, and STYLE SIDENOTE it turns out it's not just Kate borrowing from Carole - that Jane Corbett hat was previously worn by the Duchess to the wedding of Nicholas Van Cutsem in 2009 before gracing her mum's bonce for Ascot 2010:
Kate wears the Jane Corbett hat in 2009 before mum Carole re-wears at Ascot 2012. Photos: Goff Photo/Getty
Back to the business at hand, Graham Butland, Chief Executive of the East Anglia Children's Hospice (EACH) which runs the hospice said:
"Everyone at EACH is honoured and extremely proud to have The Duchess of Cambridge as Royal Patron and delighted that she will be formally opening The Treehouse on 19th March.
"This will be Her Royal Highness's first public engagement as EACH Royal Patron and children, families, staff and supporters are very much looking forward to the visit."
Photo: PA
He went on to add that Kate's support would prove invaluable to the organisation:
"Having our work recognised in this way by Her Royal Highness is not only a tribute to our staff and supporters, but a huge boost for the children, young people and families receiving our care and support.
"The Duchess's support, including the visit on 19th March, continues to 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 UK."
As part of the royal engagement Kate also planted a tree, marking the official opening of the hospice facilities.
Photo: Rex
The Duchess was named as the Royal Patron of EACH earlier this year.
Here's Kate's speech in full:
Treat yourself to a royal blue dress from the MyDaily Store: