Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s First Overseas Speech (FULL TEXT)

Thank you, Your Royal Highness, for your kind words and such a warm welcome.

William and I are hugely excited to be in Malaysia -- this, our first ever visit -- and are absolutely delighted to have been invited to join you all here at Hospis Malaysia.

It is so exciting to learn about the country’s very first pediatric palliative care program and to witness for myself something of the wonderful work of Hospis Malaysia’s superb staff.

As Patron of East Anglia Children’s Hospice, a UK-based charity, I am thrilled to hear that you have been working with Hospis Malaysia and that you plan to collaborate as you roll out this new program. Through this patronage, I have learned that delivering the best possible palliative care to children is vital.

Providing children and their families with a place of support, care and enhancement at a time of great need is simply life changing. With effective palliative care, lives can be transformed. Treatment, support, care and advice can provide a lifeline to families at a time of great need.

This is a very special place, and so much is already being achieved. It has been wonderful meeting the patients, families and all the staff here -- you have given us the most wonderful welcome.

Thank you again for inviting us here -- and all the very best to this exciting new initiative.