During Prince William and Kate Middleton's whirlwind tour of Southeast Asia, Middleton gave her first speech outside Britain and the Hospis Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Middleton had already given a speech at East Anglia Children Hospices earlier this year, but she is rarely heard speaking.
During Middleton's visit to the facility she visited children at the Hospis including, Zakwan Anuar a terminally ill 15-year-old boy who is suffering from leukemia. He had delayed a blood transfusion for 24 hours in order to meet the Princess. Middleton signed Anuar's birrthdya card and said he was ""very, very brave" and "very handsome," according to US Weekly.
Middleton said in her speech:
"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."
"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."
A royal aid told US Weekly, "The Duchess realized the hospice movement was something she could support and make a difference with and on an emotional level it's something she feels very strongly about as well. She is making a long-term commitment to this."
After the speech the couple were asked to draw pictures on a clay tile which is something many visitors do at the center for wall decorations. Middleton drew a tree with birds flying and William drew cartoon characters, Tom and Jerry.
The trip, which ends September 19 will continue with the Honiara, Solomon Islands where they will go to a local church service and then a traditional state dinner. After that the couple will fly to the island of Marau and take a canoe trip to Tavanipupu.
Read Will and Kate's full itinerary here.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
