Kate battles against severe morning sickness to carry out royal duties

PA

Despite suffering from another bout of severe morning sickness the Duchess of Cambridge has battled through the condition carrying out a significant number of engagements while pregnant.

Kate's pregnancy was announced on September 4 last year and was prompted because the condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum forced her to cancel an appearance at an event that day.

At the start of all three of her pregnancies Kate has suffered from the condition which causes severe vomiting and can lead to dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine called ketosis.

The Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance after it was announced she was pregnant at a mental health reception at Buckingham Palace on October, 2017 with the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. (Heathcliff O'Malley/Daily Telegraph)
The Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance after it was announced she was pregnant at a mental health reception at Buckingham Palace on October, 2017 with the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. (Heathcliff O'Malley/Daily Telegraph)

But unlike her first pregnancy when she was admitted to hospital and treated for a number of days, she did not need that level of care this time.

A few days after the announcement 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 her pregnancy was announced attending a mental health reception at Buckingham Palace with the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The Duke of Cambridge watched as his wife the Duchess of Cambridge danced with Paddington bear on platform 1 at Paddington Station, London, as they attend the Charities Forum event. (Jonathan Brady/PA)
The Duke of Cambridge watched as his wife the Duchess of Cambridge danced with Paddington bear on platform 1 at Paddington Station, London, as they attend the Charities Forum event. (Jonathan Brady/PA)

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, joining William and Harry at the charity event, where she danced on the platform with Paddington Bear.

And the following day Kensington Palace announced the Cambridges' baby was due in April, interpreted as indicating the duchess'12 week scan had been held.

It is thought a number of Kate's engagements were postponed due to her illness and in the new year the duchess carried out a significant number as her baby bump became more prominent.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge attend the first Royal Foundation Forum in central London. (Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge attend the first Royal Foundation Forum in central London. (Chris Jackson/PA Wire)

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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