Kate Middleton’s Solo Trip To Malta May Be Cancelled

The Duchess of Cambridge’s trip to Malta was to be watched closely by royal observers. This would have been the former Kate Middleton’s first solo trip on official royal business. Now, it seems likely her trip will be cancelled. Hello magazine reports a final decision will be made by mid-week.

Since her pregnancy was announced last week, the Duchess has been pulling back on her official schedule. Hello reminds us that the palace confirmed the Duchess’ engagements would be handled on a “case-by-case” basis according to her health. The trip to Malta was to commemorate the country’s 50 years of independence, and the Duchess was to attend in the Queen’s place on September 20 and 21.

Vanity Fair reports that Duchess Kate has been confined to bed rest due to her acute morning sickness. Hyperemesis gravidarum, the technical name of the condition, is treated with rest, hydration, and possibly medication and nutrients, according to the publication. While the Duchess was treated in hospital for the condition during her first pregnancy, this time she is being tended to at Kensington Palace.

A source told The Mirror, “She is being looked after by the surgeon gynaecologist to the Queen, Alan Farthing, and the surgeon gynaecologist to the royal household, Guy Thorpe-Beeston.”

Both doctors assisted Duchess Kate during her first pregnancy and were present at the birth of Prince George. The Mirror also reports that 3 in 20 pregnancies are marked by some form of the condition, but only the most severe cases require hospitalization. It is thought to be caused by elevated levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which increase with the onset of a pregnancy.

The Times of Malta had reported on the Duchess’ official program as soon as it had been announced by the Department of Information in the country. She was to meet with dignitaries, view official documents and attend a special mass. A public walkabout was also in the plans.

Hello conveyed reports by royal watchers that if the former Kate Middleton could not attend, it was possible Prince William could go in her place.

As for the people of Malta, the Times also reported that perhaps everyday citizens were less enthusiastic about the royal visit than the media. In response to a Daily Mail report that Malta had gone “Kate-crazy,” the Times sought to support the Mail reporter’s claim that people in the nation could talk about little else. The Times’ assessment was that “the reporter might have been a tad overzealous in his assessment.”

[Duchess of Cambridge Image: Google]