THE Duchess of Cambridge has become Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), which provides care and support for sick children and their families.

The announcement of the Duchess’ new role with EACH - which runs a hospice in Milton - has received a huge welcome from the charity.

Their chief executive, Graham Butland, said: “EACH is honoured and extremely proud to have The Duchess of Cambridge as Royal Patron.

“Having our work recognised in this way 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 will 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.

“We are also very excited to be one of only a select number of organisations to be invited to join The Princes’ Forum, which brings together the charitable interests of the Duchess, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, and we look forward to the many opportunities that will bring.”

Kate, who married Prince William in May 2011, has also become patron of Action on Addiction, The Art Room and National Portrait Gallery, and a volunteer with the Scout Association.

Asked about the Duchess’ support for EACH, a spokesman for St James’s Palace said: “It is a reflection of the Duchess’s personal dedication to the very moving issue of children’s hospices. EACH has an excellent reputation in the sector, and the Duchess has a strong interest in this issue and wanted to support it.

“The patronage also reflects the Duchess’s desire to lend her support to help young people in need, as does Her Royal Highness’s patronage of Action on Addiction.”

The Duchess of Cambridge began her private research into charitable causes in September. It included meetings at St James’s Palace and private visits to a number of sites. The palace said the Duchess personally considered all requests for patronage.

Over the coming months she is expected to undertake private and public visits to the organisations of which she is Royal Patron.

*EACH needs to raise �4.8 million in public donations to deliver its services - that amounts to more than �13,000 a day.