Kate's hauling out a Brownie uniform again

The Duchess of Cambridge dove into her past to come up with her list of charities she will support as a royal patron.

St. James's Palace announced Thursday that the former Kate Middleton will become active in five organizations: Action on Addiction, the National Portrait Gallery, the East Anglia's Children's Hospices, The Art Room and the Scout Association.

The Palace said the choices reflect her "personal interests in the arts, the promotion of outdoor activity and supporting people who are in need of all ages, especially young children".

The National Portrait Gallery was a natural choice, given the Duchess's degree in Art History from St. Andrew's. The gallery houses 11,300 portraits, the largest in the world. The hospice and The Art Room are both involved with children, the latter being a charity that uses art to engage youngsters who have not fit in with mainstream education. Action on Addiction has treatment centres in four cities in the UK and was formed in 2007.

As for the Scout Association, who better to raise their profile than a former Brownie (photo). She was a member of the 1st St. Andrew's Brownies in Birkshire when she was eight years old.

As a volunteer, Kate will work with boys and girls aged from six to 10 in cub and and beaver scouts, primarily in the North Wales region where she lives with Prince William. The Scout Association said Kate will be involved with various activities, including teaching teaching first aid and helping out with cooking and campfires.

The Queen is a patron of the Scout Association.

The patronages are a very big deal for charities, raising their profile and their fund-raising efforts. The Palace said Kate had been looking over hundreds of requests from organisations since September.

The latest additions bring to 32 the number of charities that fall under the umbrella of the Princes' Charities Forum, which was set up by William and Prince Harry in 2006.

Kate receives flowers from children on Christmas Day in Sandringham. The Duchess will be spending plenty of time with youngsters in her new role as a volunteer with the Scouts Association. (AP)