It's official – pregnant Kate Middleton is on the road to recovery. And on Sunday evening the royal beauty chose the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year Awards to make her return to public life after suffering acute morning sickness.
In her first public appearance since leaving the King Edward VII hospital on December 6, Kate presented Olympic cyclist Bradley Wiggins with the title of the nation's favourite sportsman. With husband Prince William now back on RAF duty in Wales, David Beckham was on hand to help with presenting tasks. The expectant mum's period of rest at Kensington Palace had clearly served her well, and she looked glamorous in an emerald Alexander McQueen column. All eyes were on the gown's gathered waist for signs of a burgeoning bump, but while the Duchess of Cambridge isn't showing yet, her radiant glow was undeniable. Afterwards, the brunette confirmed to fellow presenter Gary Lineker she was doing "very well" following her recent illness, and also told athlete Martine Wright her presenting stint had been "scary". Recipient Bradley Wiggins had no such qualms and was in high spirits as he was decorated with one of the most prestigious titles in the sporting world.
Accepting his award from the Duchess he joked about the recent spate of reality TV shows: "We have had all that jungle stuff (I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!) and X Factor the last couple of weeks, so for people in half an hour to pick up and pay £1.50 to vote, thank you very much. "And my nan: the cheque is in the post because you pressed redial God-knows how many times."
Following her summer as an ambassador for the 2012 Olympic Games, Kate braved lingering symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum to close a fantastic year of sport. During the Olympics, the royal was often seen chatting to organiser Lord Sebastian Coe. Their paths crossed once again as Kate watched the former track athlete being given a lifetime achievement award for his stellar career and his pivotal role in making London 2012 a success. His voice laden with emotion, Lord Coe said: "For the larger part of my life, I have woken up each day knowing that sport was going to shape that day. "I have been incredibly lucky, as someone who has competed, trained, supported and, in the last few years, delivered."
He also acknowledged the committees and volunteers who also helped organise the sporting extravaganza, and, of course, the athletes who competed and did Britain proud. Representing the Olympians on the night was poster girl and gold medallist, Jessica Ennis. The heptathlon queen showcased her athletic figure in a vibrant Victoria Beckham dress, and although she had to concede the night's top prize to Bradley Wiggins, she did receive the runners-up trophy from the Duchess – and top marks for her fashion forward-gown.