Despite suffering from another bout of severe morning sickness, the Duchess of Cambridge has battled through to carry out a significant number of engagements while pregnant.
Kate’s pregnancy was announced on September 4 last year, after she was forced to cancel an appearance the same day due to the condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum.
At the start of all three of her pregnancies, Kate has suffered from the same problem.
Hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes severe vomiting, can lead to dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine called ketosis.
But unlike her first pregnancy, when she was admitted to hospital and treated for a number of days, the duchess did not need that level of care this time.
A few days after the announcement that she was expecting her third child, Kate missed Prince George’s first day at school as she was too poorly to attend.
She made her first public appearance almost five weeks later, attending a mental health reception at Buckingham Palace with the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
At the time a royal aide said: “The Duchess’ condition is improving but she’s still suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.”
Kate was well enough to make a surprise appearance at Paddington station in October, joining William and Harry at a charity event, where she danced on the platform with Paddington Bear.
And the following day Kensington Palace announced that the Cambridges’ baby was due in April, interpreted as indicating the duchess’s 12-week scan had taken place.
It is thought a number of Kate’s engagements were postponed due to her illness, and in the new year she carried out a significant number as her baby bump became more prominent.
During January, Kate attended a string of official engagements and appeared to be back in good health, and at the end of the month she travelled with William to Norway and Sweden for an official visit.
Other high-profile events as her pregnancy developed and her baby bump grew included an away day to Sunderland, a Royal Foundation engagement with the duke, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the launch of an expert panel to look at supporting the early years development of children.
Kate bowed out of official duties with a flourish, attending two Commonwealth events with her husband before her maternity leave began.
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