IPSWICH: An air of excitement is building as crowds gather to welcome the Duchess of Cambridge to The Treehouse hospice.

Kate, who is the Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, is due to arrive at St Augustine’s Gardens at about 10.15am.

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

Members of the media were among the first to arrive and set up at about 7.45am.

Among the members of the public who turned out for the visit was five-year-old Tabby Cook and her mum Louise from Fressingfield.

Tabby made her own flag, showing some of her favourite pictures of the Duchess.

Tabby said: “I’m really excited. She is so pretty, I’m excited about seeing a princess.”

Mum Louise added: “It is such a lovely day- it’s a brilliant boost for EACH.”

Marlene Robinson, of Felixstowe Road, a volunteer on reception at the hospice, was also waiting to see Kate.

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.”

The pair said it is the first time they have seen Kate but as big fans of the Royal family they said it was “so exciting” to think they were seeing a future queen.