IPSWICH: “He would love it here.” Those were the words of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge as she expressed her wish to bring husband Prince William with her when she returns to the Treehouse hospice in Ipswich.

Kate, in Ipswich yesterday to officially open the �3million Treehouse centre, spent more than two hours inside the facility, talking to poorly youngsters and their families.

As she met guests and supporters of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), she told one group how she would love to bring her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, who is currently serving with the RAF Search and Rescue crews in the Falklands, to the hospice on her next visit.

Giving her first public speech, the stunning 30-year-old praised the “inspirational” work of EACH, adding: “I am only sorry that William can’t be here today – he would love it here.”

One youngster gave Kate an EACH bracelet, bearing the charity’s purple and orange colours, which she wore throughout her visit.

Jo Clarke, whose nine-year-old daughter Lea took part in a music therapy session with the duchess yesterday, said: “She was so warm and sincere. I know everyone probably says that about her but she just radiated warmth.”

The mum-of-three, from Manningtree, told the Star she hopes the duchess’s visit and role as patron of EACH would have a “massive impact” on the charity, helping to raise awareness of the services they offer.

“It is a wonderful place. It was so lovely that the duchess said it felt like a home.”

Echoing Mrs Clarke’s sentiments, Jeanette Jennings, whose six-year-old daughter Tilly presented a posy to the duchess, said the day had been “better than I ever imagined”.

“Today was lovely, I struggled to hold back the tears. It has been very emotional.

“Tilly thanked the duchess for coming to the hospice – it really was a wonderful message to those who may not have heard of the fantastic work EACH do everyday.”

Excitedly waiting in the crowds outside, five-year-old Tabby Cook had made her very own flag, emblazoned with her favourite pictures of the duchess.

Beaming after Kate stopped to speak to her, accepting a bunch of daffodils picked in the youngster’s garden, Tabby said: “She told me she is going to give my flag to Prince William. It was brilliant seeing her.”

Among the crowds were 20 children from Broke Hall Primary School, who were nominated by their classmates to welcome the duchess.

Year five pupil, ten-year-old Zara said: “It has been so exciting, we were all cheering and waving our flags.”

A spokesman for Clarence House could not confirm details of any potential future visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

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n What did you think of the day? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk

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