Pregnant Duchess of Cambridge returns to royal duties

The Duchess of Cambridge tonight made her first public appearance since announcing her pregnancy last month.

The 35-year-old royal, who has not been seen in public since August 30, joined Prince William, 35, and Prince Harry, 33, to co-host a Buckingham Palace reception recognising the work of mental health workers.

The mother-to-be looked radiant in a £795 powder blue dress by Temperley London which showed just the smallest hint of a baby bump. She appeared to be in excellent spirits as she greeted guests alongside her husband and brother-in-law in one of the palace’s opulent reception rooms.

Kate, who is understood to have a due date in spring, has not attended an official engagement for more than a month after being struck down by the same severe morning sickness that she suffered while pregnant with Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte. 

The Duchess of Cambridge tonight made her first public appearance since announcing she is pregnant with her third child last month

The mother-to-be looked radiant in a £795 powder blue dress by Temperley L ondon which showed just the smallest hint of a baby bump

The devoted mother was even forced to miss Prince George’s first day of school as a result of the illness. 

An aide revealed the duchess’ condition is improving but that she is still suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). 

The aide said: ‘The Duchess’ condition is improving but she is still suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. She is delighted to be able to be here tonight.’

The event tonight is being held to mark World Mental Health Day – will recognise the progress, hard work and dedication of those determined to raise awareness of mental health issues over many years.

William, Kate and Harry have supported the issue with their Heads Together mental health campaign that has been encouraging people to speak out about their psychological problems or be a sympathetic ear for others.

Kensington Palace announced on September 4 that 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 at the beginning of September which prompted the palace to make the pregnancy announcement early.

Earlier today William and Harry will hosted a reception at St James’s Palace to celebrate the impact of their Heads Together campaign, and to thank all those who played a key role in its success. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk