Duchess Kate gives first public speech

Duchess of Cambridge Kate extolled the virtues of teamwork at a London children's hospice in her first public speech as a member of the royal family Monday. Prince William's bride of nearly a year wore an electric blue dress and black heels when she spoke at the opening of the East Anglia Children's Hospice, People.com said. "I am only sorry that William can't be here today. He would love it here," she told the crowd of about 600 people in a speech she penned herself. "A view of his -- that I share -- is that through teamwork, so much can be achieved. What you have all achieved is extraordinary." People.com said she recalled having a "preconceived idea as to what to expect" when she first visited the charity's hospice in Milton, Cambridgeshire. "Far from being a clinical depressing place for sick children, it was a home. Most importantly, it was a family home, a happy place of stability, support and care. It was a place of fun," she said. "The feelings you inspire -- feelings of love and of hope -- offer a chance to families to live a life they never thought could be possible." Prince William is a military helicopter pilot who is serving in the Falkland Islands.