​Kate Middleton Makes Her First Public Appearance Since Announcing She's Pregnant with Baby Number Three

Kate Middleton has officially made her first public appearance since announcing her pregnancy with baby number three. In honor of World Mental Health Day, Middleton joined Prince William in celebrating mental health workers at a Buckingham palace reception which "recognizes the work of people & organizations in raising awareness of mental health," according to the Kensington Palace official Twitter account.

It's no surprise Middleton decided to step out on World Mental Health Day. The Duchess of Cambridge has been recognized for her mental health advocacy as a patron of the mental health charity Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families (opens in new tab), which was the last time Middleton was seen out in public.

The Duke and Duchess have continued to raise awareness alongside Prince Harry with the trio's Heads Together (opens in new tab) campaign, working to change the conversation on mental health and inspire people to talk about their own mental health issues. This fall, The Royal Foundation (opens in new tab) is expected to increase their mental health programs which includes providing a text messaging service for people in need of immediate help.

Middleton's rare sightings are due to her suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, an acute morning sickness which has prevented the Duchess from making any public appearances since September when her and Prince William first announced they were expecting their third child (opens in new tab). The pregnancy news came after Middleton was unable to attend an event with the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London due to the illness, and she has since missed out on other events such as Prince George's first day of school (opens in new tab). Here's hoping we see more of Middleton as we anxiously await the royal birth. 🙏