Pregnant Kate Middleton Cancels Fourth Event Due to Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Duchess was unable to attend the launch of The Clore Art Room at Barlby Primary School

By Alyssa Toomey Oct 01, 2014 4:08 PMTags
Kate Middleton, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, FascinatorChris Jackson/Getty Images

Has pregnant Kate Middleton already resumed her royal duties? Not quite

The Duchess of Cambridge, who is currently expecting her second child with husband Prince William, was unable to attend the launch of The Clore Art Room at Barlby Primary School in London today as she continues to suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum, a rare pregnancy complication often categorized by extreme sickness, Clarence House announced on Twitter. 

Middleton's sudden cancellation shouldn't come as a surprise as a royal aides spokesperson had previous announced that Prince George's mama would resume her royal engagements in October and November, however, Kensington Palace is proceeding with caution before announcing any of the duchess's specific plans in case she is unable to attend. 

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The 32-year-old beauty, who has not been seen in public since the announcement of her pregnancy, sent a message of support to the school which was read on her behalf, saying she was "truly sorry" to have missed the event. 

"I wanted to share my congratulations with you all for the launch of the new Clore Art Room. I was looking forward to joining you all for this particularly special day as part of The Clore Duffield Foundation's 50th Anniversary year," she said. "I am truly sorry that I cannot be with you all today as you celebrate this milestone. As Patron of The Art Room I feel great pride to see the work that the charity is doing. Vulnerable children flourish in the safe havens that The Art Room provides; this highlights just how important it is to support children at a time when they most need help and support.

"This partnership with The Clore Duffield Foundation is a significant moment for The Art Room," she continued. "As I cannot thank the Foundation in person today, I would like to extend my thanks to Dame Vivien and her Foundation for supporting a cause so close to my heart, and making such a transformational facility available to the children of Barlby Primary School. It really is hugely exciting to look to a future with even more Art Rooms, where the lives of many more challenging and vulnerable children will be transformed.  I hope that you have a wonderful afternoon. My sincere apologies for not being able to join you but I hope that I will have an opportunity to visit Barlby and see the Clore Art Room soon." 

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Clarence House announced Middleton's pregnancy earlier this month and revealed that the beautiful brunette had been placed under medical care at Kensington Palace as she copes with hyperemesis gravidarum (the duchess also suffered from the same condition during her first pregnancy). The illness often times requires additional hydration, medication and nutrients.

This is the third event Kate has hand to cancel due to her pregnancy complications. She previously canceled an appearance at Oxford the day it was revealed that she was expecting before pulling out of the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games and later calling of her trip to Malta, opting to send Prince William in her place. 

Meanwhile, William and Prince Harry have both been busy with their own royal engagements in addition to attending the wedding of childhood friend Victoria Inskip and Robert Davies-Jones over the weekend (neither Kate, nor Harry's rumored on-again girlfriend Cressida Bonas were in attendance).