Her radiant smile spoke volumes about how the Duchess of Cambridge, neé Kate Middleton, felt about getting back to work this week.Indeed, as she was welcoming Singapore's President Tony Tan and his wife Mary to Britain at the start of their state visit, Prince William's wife shared her excitement at resuming official duties.
© Photo: PAWhen Mrs Tan remarked she was glad Kate – who has been suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum during the first trimester of the pregnancy – could make the engagement, the Duchess replied: "So am I. I've been looking forward to getting out of the house, that's for sure. "The 32-year-old royal made the admission as she and William sat down for tea with the Singaporean visitors at the the Royal Garden Hotel, which is close to their Kensington Palace base.
© Photo: PAThe Duke joked about the proximity of their home: "You can probably see into our bedroom window which is a bit worrying – I wouldn't look too closely. "Kate, meanwhile, made the president laugh when she referenced the last time they saw each other, in Singapore in 2012."It's a bit colder than our last meeting", she told Mr Tan, to which he replied: "The weather is lovely."
© Photo: PAThe Duchess was on sparkling form on her first royal engagement since the announcement she is expecting her second baby with Prince William.Looking radiant, healthy and stylish as ever in a grey Alexander McQueen coat with a Jane Taylor hat, Kate more than rose to the occasion.Her role in greeting Singapore's head of state was notable not only because it provided royal watchers the first glimpse of her tiny baby bump, but also because the occasion marked the first time she has been invited to join William in taking a formal role in a state visit to Britain.
After tea, William and Kate accompanied the VIP visitors to in travelling by car down Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome, presided over by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. After the welcome, William stayed for a private lunch hosted by the Queen.
