Ipswich: The Duchess of Cambridge completes her visit to the Treehouse hospice.

Kate, who is the Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, arrived at St Augustine’s Gardens at about 10.25am where she was greeted by crowds of well wishers.

Wearing a Reiss blue dress with a black belt, the Duchess smiled as she shook hands with dignitaries including Ben Gummer. She then went into the hospice where she was given a tour of the building, including its music and play rooms.

She then completed her first public speech to an audience of about 150 people. She is now planting a commemorative tree to mark her visit and is set to leave soon.

Several people arrived at the scene early this morning, armed with their Union Jack flags, in the hope of catching a glimpse of Kate.

Among them was Marlene Robinson, of Felixstowe Road, who is a volunteer on reception at the hospice.

She said: “Today is a very special day, everyone at the hospice has been so excited getting ready.

“EACH is such a wonderful charity. I can’t wait to see the Duchess.”

Marlene’s guest, Esme Trowell, of Rushmere Road, added: “We are so excited and I am thrilled to be here.

“The atmosphere is just wonderful, it is such a great profile for the hospice. It is going to be a brilliant day, the sun is shining its perfect.”

Keep checking the Ipswich Star website for updates throughout the day and send in your pictures to iWitness24.

The Star will be printing a special late edition today with photos from the big day. It will be available at supermarkets and garages.

Get tomorrow’s paper for an eight-page souvenir supplement.