Kate Middleton Is Preparing to Return from Maternity Leave

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.

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.