Kate Middleton Is Preparing to Return from Maternity Leave
The Duchess of Cambridge is gearing up to return from maternity leave after the birth of her third child, Prince Louis. She attended a private farewell event for Prince William's former private secretary. Find out more details about Kate's return here.


Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Since she gave birth to Prince Louis in April, Kate Middleton has been on maternity leave (opens in new tab)—but a private event she attended may hint that the Duchess is ready to return to her royal engagements sooner than expected. (Royal correspondent Rebecca English later confirmed that Kate's official return to work will begin on October 2.)
According to ELLE UK (opens in new tab), Kate attended a private farewell meeting with Miguel Head, Prince William's private secretary, following his departure from his position as one of the Duke of Cambridge's senior advisors. The Court Circular (opens in new tab), the official record of past royal engagements, confirmed the event to ELLE UK in the following statement:
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this afternoon received Mr. Miguel Head upon relinquishing his appointment as Private Secretary to His Royal Highness."
It was originally revealed that the Duchess had planned on staying on maternity leave (opens in new tab) for six months beginning in March, which suggests that Kate is ready to return to her regularly-scheduled royal duties.
Kate dropped Prince George off at school just one day after she gave birth to Prince Louis (a completely badass move), attended Harry and Meghan's wedding (opens in new tab) about a month and a half later, and even participated in Trooping the Colour with the entire royal family (opens in new tab) in June.
She also joined her new sister-in-law Meghan Markle and Prince William at Wimbledon (opens in new tab) (because who would want to miss a great game of tennis?) and the Royal Air Force ceremony (opens in new tab) in July.
The Duchess of Cambridge is back to public duties on Tuesday October 2 - she will visit the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden at Paddington Recreation Ground.September 26, 2018
Later this month, the Palace confirmed via royal correspondent Rebecca English that Kate will go to the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden at Paddington Recreation Ground upon her return.
RELATED STORIES

Rachel Epstein is an editor at Marie Claire, where she writes and edits culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also manages the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game, finding a new coffee shop, or analyzing your cousin's birth chart—in no particular order.
-
Prince Andrew Still Receiving Taxpayer-Funded Police Protection
Protecting the Duke of York doesn't come cheap.
By Alicia Lutes
-
Don't Insult Queen Elizabeth's Corgis
A family member said they "should be shot" and QEII had something to say about it.
By Alicia Lutes
-
How to Treat Hormonal Acne: A Dermatologist’s Guide
Peace out, PMS pimples.
By Samantha Holender
-
Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie Could Stop Being Working Royals Under King Charles, A Royal Expert Has Claimed
There's a "question mark" there.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Was "Set Up" for "Suffering" as Part of the Royal Family, Actress Denée Benton Says
Being a person of color in that environment can't have been easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Will Miss the U.K. More and More" With Time, Royal Expert Projects
Richard Palmer thinks the royal doesn't look that happy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
What Princess Diana Would Have Changed About the Monarchy, In Her Own Words
She felt they were too distant.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kim Kardashian Was "Very Supportive" of Pete Davidson Seeking Out Therapy, Source Says
The now-exes seem to be on good terms.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Getting an Award for Their Support to Afghan Families
The Archewell executive director will be collecting the award.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kensington Palace Is a "Glorious Prison" for Prince William and Kate Middleton's Children, Royal Expert Says
They're always being watched there.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Charles Left to Play Polo Just Hours After He and Princess Diana Brought Baby Harry Home
...excuse me, what?
By Iris Goldsztajn