Duchess of Cambridge becomes Scout leader as part of patronage

The Duchess of Cambridge's life as a member of the Royal Family entered a new phase today with the announcement she has become patron of four organisations.

Kate has accepted honorary positions with a range of charities and bodies that tackle issues from drug and alcohol addiction to children with behavioural problems and other areas of importance.

The royal is now patron of Action on Addiction and the National Portrait Gallery, and royal patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and The Art Room, said St James's Palace.

The Duchess, who turns 30 on Monday, will also become a volunteer with the Scout Association, joining activities privately with groups in north Wales and other areas.

The organisations were personally chosen by Kate and reflect her interests and issues she wants to highlight.

Juli Beattie, founder and director of The Art Room, summed up the feelings of all the bodies when she said having the royal as a figurehead would make an enormous difference.

The campaigner, whose organisation uses art therapy to help children with issues like low self esteem and Asperger's syndrome, said: "We're absolutely delighted, we're overwhelmed and thrilled.

"This is just fantastic, it will raise the profile of the charity and get people to see the work we are doing."

Supporting charities is an important role for members of the monarchy whose patronage can help promote the profile of good causes on to the national stage.

Kate spent the months in the run-up to Christmas researching the charitable sector and visiting organisations to decide which ones she wanted to be involved with.

While her views on the importance of art were already well established she came to the conclusion that addiction - one of the factors at the heart of many social issues - played a destructive role in the lives of many vulnerable people.

St James's Palace said in a statement: "The Duchess' first patronages and her volunteer position reflect her royal highness' personal interests in the arts, the promotion of outdoor activity, and supporting people who are in need of all ages, especially young children."

It added: "The Duchess has chosen to support organisations that compliment the charitable work already undertaken by her husband."

Kate is already patron of the charitable foundation William founded with his brother Prince Harry, but her new roles are the royal's first external patronages.