Duchess of Cambridge to volunteer with the Scouts

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, will become the patron of four charities and volunteer with the Scouts as part of her royal duties.

She personally chose to patronise Action on Addiction, the National Portrait Gallery, East Anglia's Children's Hospices and the Art Room.

Kate, who celebrates her 30th birthday on Monday 9 January, will also be volunteering with the Scouts Association, joining activities with groups predominantly in north Wales.

St James's Palace said: "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."

Members of the Royal family become patrons of charities, with Prince Charles setting up the Prince's Trust in the past.

It is thought that Kate chose these charities to complement the ones that her husband Prince William supports.

The pair met when they both attended the University of St Andrew's in Scotland and were in an on/off relationship from 2003.

Kate and William finally married on 29 April 2011 in front of millions of people.