The Duchess of Cambridge is hoping to make her first public appearance since news broke of her third pregnancy, by attending a Buckingham Palace reception next month.
Kate has been forced to miss a number of events, including her son Prince George’s first day at school, after suffering severe morning sickness – hyperemesis gravidarum – an illness she experienced during her first two pregnancies.
But the Duchess has been named by Kensington Palace, alongside husband William and Prince Harry, as the royal hosts of the October 10 reception, celebrating the contribution of those working in the mental health sector across the UK.
The Buckingham Palace engagement is just under three weeks away and it appears the Duchess is anticipating being well enough to attend.
Kensington Palace announced on September 4 Kate was expecting her third child and, like previous pregnancies with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, was suffering from severe morning sickness.
The Duchess is thought to be less than 12 weeks pregnant with her bout of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) forcing her to pull out of an event last week and prompting the palace to make the pregnancy announcement early.
Normal morning sickness affects around 70% of pregnant women, and causes some degree of vomiting and discomfort commonly during the first trimester (12 weeks) of pregnancy.
But those suffering from HG can be constantly sick morning, noon and night and unable to keep any food or drink down.
Experts warn the condition often gets worse with subsequent pregnancies but those who have experienced it before can be put on medication as soon as they get a positive pregnancy test.
Grandfather the Prince of Wales is said to be “delighted” with the pregnancy news, as is the Queen and other members of the couple’s families.
Expectant father William said “it’s very good news” when he made his first public appearance last week, following the announcement.
He even joked about the forthcoming birth when, during a visit to a London charity supporting drug addicts on Tuesday, he told a trainee midwife: “All the best with the midwifery – might see you sooner than you think.”