Prince William and Kate Middleton are currently enjoying a relaxing trip to Mustique – dubbed a "babymoon" – before the birth of their first child. But when the holiday ends and the couple return to the UK, they will turn their attention to planning the next exciting chapter of their lives.
Kate's public engagement at Hope House on February 19 coincides with the midway point of her pregnancy. From that date on time will fly by, and the royal baby, due in July, will be here before she knows it. So once the mum-to-be is rested and reintegrated into her routine, she and William can begin planning with vigour. First, Kate has to plan a new maternity wardrobe and fitness regime to prepare for her remaining public appearances. Stylist Alex Longmore gives HELLO! his predictions: "I think she'll wear coat dresses and fitted coats over soft chiffon so she will be comfortable but also have a structure."
Alex thinks Kate's style during last year's tour of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific gives an idea of how her maternity wear will look. The Duchess of Cambridge has always enjoyed a high level of fitness and according to those close to her, she is determined to keep this up. Now in her second trimester, she has cut down on her more vigorous exercise routines such as tennis, hockey and skiing, and switched to a gentler regime. William and Kate's cocker spaniel Lupo would doubtless love all the extra-long walks with his mistress. With motherhood just around the corner, Kate will also need to turn her mind to preparing nurseries in her homes and work out to whom she will turn once the baby is here. With mum Carole – who has raised three children of her own – on hand and reports that mother of four Victoria Beckham has been offering Kate valuable advice, there's no doubt William's wife is in good hands.
The royals' living situation will also change in 2013 when they upgrade to their dream home at Kensington Palace. Once renovations have been completed, William, Kate and their baby will live in the splendour of Apartment 1A – the six-bedroom flat where Princess Margaret used to live – and their family unit will be complete. To read Kate's nine-point pregnancy plan in full, pick up a copy of HELLO!, issue 1264, out now.
