Kate to wear Diana's charity hat

Newly-minted royal Kate Middleton has been making unnannounced trips to various UK charities, following a family tradition championed by the late Princess Diana.

Newly-minted royal Kate Middleton has been making unnannounced trips to various UK charities, following a family tradition championed by the late Princess Diana.

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The Sunday Times said the 29-year-old Kate - now formally known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge - had already begun making a series of under-the-radar trips to unnamed institutions.

St James's Palace confirmed that the young royal would spend the next few months exploring the charitable sector but didn't elaborate.

Running or founding charities has long been a favored pastime for Britain's royals. Prince Charles, Kate's father-in-law, is the patron or president of no fewer than 20 charities.

Diana, Charles' ex-wife, was also famous for her charity work.