AP ImagesIt's not exactly the Kate Middleton news the world has been waiting to hear, but it'll have to do for now: That's right, Prince William's missus is finally patron.
And believe it or not, though it might not be as exciting as news of a pitter-patter around Buckingham Palace, the revelation of Kate's charities of choice has been anticipated for nearly as long.
For the better part of last year, in the scant few moments she managed to maintain a low profile, the royal newlywed spent months familiarizing herself with worthy charitable causes she'd like to throw her substantial metaphorical weight behind, even making frequent under-the-radar trips to various U.K. institutions.
In October, she was named patron of her first charity, fittingly enough, the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. And now, she's formally named the four charities she will devote her life in the public eye to. And they are…
Effective immediately, the duchess has accepted the honorary positions of Patron of Action on Addiction, Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Royal Patron of The Art Room and Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, London.
The latter two patronages are hardly surprising, considering she was an art history student at St. Andrew's University, where she first met Wills.
And the children's hospice selection is also understandable, given the impact she had and care she seemingly took (remember that heartwarming letter?!) while visiting a children's cancer center last fall.
In addition to her patronages, Kate—who celebrates her 30th birthday on Monday—will serve as a volunteer in the Scout Association, and for the time being will privately volunteer with groups based in North Wales, where she and Will share a home, and will formally be named an "Occasional Helper" in the Beaver and Cub Scouts.
According to the royal's press secretary, the selections reflect both "Her Royal Highness's personal interests in the arts, the promotion of outdoor activity, and supporting people who are in need of all ages, especially young children," and "complement the charitable work already undertaken by her husband."
As for the organizations she chose, though the National Portrait Gallery and East Anglia's Children's Hospices require little explanation, her other choices could be less familiar to her worldwide fans: Action on Addiction operates national treatment centers throughout the U.K. and brings support to those addicted as well as their families.
The Art Room, meanwhile, works with often troubled children and builds their self-esteem, confidence and independence through art—which, incidentally, is the type of program the duchess got a taste of during her U.S. trip earlier this year.
As for her next steps, Kate is expected to pay both private and public visits to her chosen charities in the coming months.