The Duchess of Cambridge has been hard at work in her official royal duties, but at eight months pregnant, when will Kate begin her maternity leave? With her due date in April, it has been announced that the mother-of-two's last official engagement will be on Thursday 22 March! Kensington Palace announced the news on the same day, saying: "Today's public engagements by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be Her Royal Highness' last before starting her maternity leave". The royal also took the final month off during her pregnancies with both Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The Duchess's final engagement will be to celebrate the Commonwealth with her husband William, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April. The Duke and Duchess will begin the day at a SportsAid event at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park. They will also take part in a Commonwealth Quiz, and also take part in preparations for a Commonwealth Big Lunch at St Luke's Community Centre in London.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate is now seven months pregnant
It is unknown whether Prince William and Kate will be welcoming their second girl or boy, however, Kate's wardrobe seems to have hinted towards the pair welcoming their second baby son. The Duchess have recently favourite blue for several royal engagements, prompting speculation that a boy is on the way. Ulrika Johnson, who predicted her own pregnancies correctly, thinks Kate is having a boy, and told HELLO! that it is all about the shape of the baby bump.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesDo you think Kate is having a boy or a girl?
She said: "I remember my English grandmother talking about how, when the baby is 'out front' as opposed to 'spread evenly', it was a boy." Fans of the royal family have been placing bets on what the couple will name their bundle of joy, with Arthur and Henry being popular choices for a baby boy, while Mary, Alice and Victoria are all top contenders for a baby girl.
