Prince William pulls out of military event to be with Kate
Prince William pulled out of attending a military event over the weekend to spend time with his pregnant wife, Kate, who was released from a London hospital last week after being treated for acute morning sickness.
The Duke of Cambridge, 30, had been scheduled to appear at the British Military Tournament at Earls Court on Sunday evening, but a rep for the royals said in a statement that he would be spending the day "privately with the duchess" instead, according to the Daily Mail.
"It is well known that hyperemesis gravidarum often recurs and, until further notice, to allow the Duchess a degree of privacy during her pregnancy, we do not intend to offer regular condition checks or advise of routine developments associated with it," the St. James' Palace spokesman added.
On Saturday, William stepped out solo at the Winter Whites Gala at London's Royal Albert Hall. The tennis gala benefitted the homeless charity Centrepoint, of which he is patron.
The prince apparently commented on his wife's condition to one of the night's attendees. According to the Daily Mail, Michael O'Higgins, a former chairman of Centrepoint, told reporters, "He said they shouldn't call it morning sickness as it's a day and all night sickness."
In a speech at the gala, William recalled spending a night on the streets in 2009 as part of his work with Centrepoint.
"About this time a few years ago, for one night, I gave up the warmth and comfort of my bed and tried sleeping on the streets of London. Of course, this was just one night. I was cold but safe and I knew I had a home waiting for me," he said.
"Many others have no such luck. The cold streets are the only reality they know," he added. And yet so often their spirit shines through. What these unfortunate men, women and young people could achieve given the right opportunities is limitless. I really, really believe that."
The couple announced Monday that they were expecting their first child, the same day Kate was hospitalized for treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. She was released Thursday.
William and Kate's next public event is scheduled for Dec. 12, when they're set to attend the royal premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" in London's West End. People reports that the couple will decide whether to attend as the date nears, while the Daily Mail states it "now appears unlikely" that Kate will attend and "may not make another public appearance for several weeks."