All eyes were on Royal couple Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011. So, we hope that the billions who tuned in, worldwide, will also be influenced by her decision and action  to support multiple causes. Recent reports have compared the Duchess to the late Princess Diana, in that she chooses to devote her time and focus to a variety of charitable organizations.

Middleton will become the Royal Patron to several organizations:

Action on Addiction: Their mission is to “take a dynamic and integrated approach to improving our understanding of addiction and our responses to it.” The UK-based organization takes action by being “the only charity working across the addiction field in research, prevention, treatment, professional education, support for families and children and campaigns.”

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices: “EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.”

The Art Room: “The Art Room is a charity based in Oxford aimed at 5 – 16 year olds who are experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties. There are currently five Art Rooms in schools in Oxford and London, offering art as therapy to increase children’s self-esteem, self-confidence and independence.”

Scout Association:As many may be familiar with the organization, which exists worldwide, the Scout Association “provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people aged 6-25.”

(Source: Scout Association UK website)

London’s National Portrait Gallery: The gallery houses art of historically famous Brits.

And so, as the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton prepares to dive into helping an array of people with her giving spirit, we also wish her a very Happy 30th Birthday this coming Monday, January 9, 2012! You may be asking yourself, what kinds of things she may be asking for as presents for her milestone birthday? Well, in true Optimist fashion, the Duchess has reportedly requested that all gifts to her be made in the form of donations to the charities she is now attached to.

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