Excitement was mounting in Leicester yesterday after it was confirmed that the Duchess of Cambridge will accompany the Queen on a royal tour of the city next month.

The 30-year-old Kate will make her first official visit to Leicester as Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee tour next month.

As reported in the Mercury, the city will have the honour of welcoming the Queen on the first date of her tour on Thursday, March 8.

The occasion will be the first royal engagement involving just the two royals – and the Duke of Edinburgh– since Kate married Prince William last April.

St James' Palace put an end to much rumour and speculation by confirming the visit yesterday.

A spokeswoman said: "Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge is honoured to be invited and she is very much looking forward to the visit."

Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby said he was "over the moon" about Kate's visit.

He said: "We have known for a few weeks that it was a possibility Kate would be coming too, but we didn't dare say anything or hardly hope that it could be true. Now it's confirmed, the excitement at the council is unbelievable."

The feeling generated by the prospect of the royal family's newest member visiting Leicester was palpable on the streets yesterday.

Paige Durant, 22, an account manager from Beaumont Leys, said: "She's full of character and very classy – a shining star really.

"She's a great role model and we'll give her a champagne reception."

Priya Sandhu, 26, a sales assistant from West Knighton, said: "She's a real people's princess. We can all relate to her because of her normal background."

Asma Gabriel, 40, from Earl Shilton, said: "I'm over the moon, what great news. Her visit will bring money into the area and cheer people up. She's a good girl."

Alex Taylor, 31, a travel agent in the city centre, said: "Kate's a breath of fresh air – the face of the new monarchy and an asset to the country. I can't wait."

Ume Sacranie, 23, who works at Reiss – one of Kate's favourite stores – said: "She's an ambassador for the British high street, which is uncommon among celebrities of her influence."

Kim Baker, 24, of Beaumont Leys, said: "It's going to really boost tourism, she's got such a good presence and reputation."

Smiljka Jackson, 67, from Hinckley, said: "She's really nice. It's exciting for Leicester, we don't often get people like that here. I'll definitely go and see her and the Queen."

Further details, including the venues the Duchess and the Queen will visit, have yet to be confirmed.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee tour will see the royal party visit dozens of places across the UK – beginning in Leicester and ending on the Isle of Wight on July 25.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh last visited the city in December 2008, when they were shown around Curve, the University of Leicester and Leicester Grammar School's Great Glen campus.