Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, will not be coming to Malta tomorrow for the 50th anniversary festivities of Malta’s Independence and will be replaced by her husband, Prince William.
The news, announced yesterday by the Royal Palace, put an end to the fluttering of some hearts after misguided media reports speculated that it would be the bachelor Prince Harry, the younger brother of Prince William, who would replace the Duchess.
Kensington Palace said that the Duchess “continues to suffer from the effects of hyperemesis gravidarum”, a condition that causes severe vomiting and can lead to dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine, called ketosis.
“The decision not to travel was taken by the duke and duchess on the advice of the duchess’s doctors.
“The duke is honoured to represent Her Majesty The Queen on the visit, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of Malta’s Independence.”
The duke is honoured to represent Her Majesty The Queen
Earlier this month, the duchess cancelled a planned trip to Oxford with her husband.
She also suffered from acute morning sickness during her first pregnancy with one-year-old Prince George and was admitted to hospital for treatment.
Speaking earlier this month, on the visit to Oxford without his wife, the duke told members of the public it had been a “tricky” time.
“We’re just basically thrilled, it’s great news,” he said.
“Early days, we’re hoping things just settle down and she feels a bit better.”
The trip to Malta was intended as her first solo engagement overseas and had been scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday.
The itinerary of the Duke’s visit remains unchanged.
He will be staying at San Anton Palace and will be visiting Valletta, the Grand Harbour and Vittoriosa.
He will call on Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and view a number of historical documents at the National Library, including letters from kings Henry VIII and George II, and the original citation awarding the George Cross to Malta.
On Sunday, the Duke will attend Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral and will later view the two Caravaggio masterpieces.