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 host a glittering 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.
Kate, who is understood to have a due date in spring, has not attended an official engagement for six weeks after being struck down by the same severe strand of morning sickness that she suffered while pregnant with Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte.
An aide revealed tonight that the duchess is still suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) but said her condition is improving
The royal wore an elegant blue dress that skimmed over the tiniest hint of a baby bump
The Duchess of Cambridge tonight made her first public appearance since announcing her pregnancy last month
An aide revealed tonight that the duchess is still suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) but said her condition is improving
Prince William affectionately placed a hand on his wife’s back as they entered the reception
Look ladylike in lace like the Duchess in Temperley London
The Duchess of Cambridge appeared for the first time tonight since breaking the news of her third child, appearing at Buckingham Palace for the World Mental Health day reception.
Usual thrifty Kate had gone against the norm and splashed out on a new dress for the event in a pretty blue hue.
The elegant pick is by Temperley London and has an all over lace design with flared cuffs and pretty pleats which are spliced with cotton panels. We love the velvet ties and button details in contrasting black that really sets it off with a baroque feel.
The dress is available to buy direct from the Temperley site – click right to snap it up. However, it is a little on the pricey side, so if you want to get the ladylike lace look for less, head to our edit of alternatives below. From Three Floor to Forever Unique, you can get royally stylish for a whole lot less.
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.’
Indeed Kate 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.
Guests included former Dame Esther Rantzen, model Adwoa Aboah and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
Dame Esther Rantzen said: ‘We are seeing with Childline more and more contact both online and over the phone from young people suffering with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. It can be a very stigmatising issue.
Radiant: Kate paired the powder blue dress with heeled shoes and a small black clutch bag
‘Similarly with older people, this is a significant issue. And many have needed encouragement to talk.
‘In speaking about their own mental health issues, particularly relating to the loss of their mother at such a young age, the princes are making such a huge difference. It is a remarkable and wonderful legacy.’
Sophie Andrews, chief executive of The Silver Line, a new charity supporting older people with complex mental health challenges, said she was ‘thrilled and honoured to be attending’.
Returning to royal duties: The Duchess of Cambridge joined Prince William and Prince Harry to co-host a Buckingham Palace reception tonight. The mother-to-be wore Temperley London
Perfect host: The pregnant royal, 35, spent time greeting guests in one of the opulent reception rooms. She opted for a feminine powder blue dress for the occasion
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.
The young royals also said they wanted to thank those from the sector for the support they provide to so many going through difficult times in their lives.
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the reception tonight
The Duchess of Cambridge appeared to be showing the smallest hint of a baby bump tonight
The Duchess of Cambridge tonight made her first public appearance since announcing she is pregnant with her third child last month
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 palace has not yet confirmed the duchess’ due date but she is believed to be coming up to her 12-week mark.
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.
Guests at the event included Dame Esther Rantzen, left, and former Deputy PM Nick Clegg
