Royals

Prince William jokes: “Malta wouldn’t survive Prince George”

Prince William joked that “Malta wouldn’t survive Prince George” as he filled in for Duchess Catherine on a royal tour to the Mediterranean island nation.

Prince William joked that “Malta wouldn’t survive Prince George” as he filled in for Duchess Catherine on a royal tour to the Mediterranean island nation.

Prince William has joked that “Malta wouldn’t survive Prince George,” as he filled in for Duchess Catherine on a royal tour to the Mediterranean island nation.

Duchess Catherine had to cancel what was planned to be her first official solo royal tour as she lays low at home at Kensington Palace in London. The Duchess is on doctor’s orders to take it easy as she recuperates from the debilitating condition hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme morning sickness, which has been affecting her during her second pregnancy.

Related: Duchess Catherine knew she’d risk severe morning sickness – went ahead anyway

So Prince William took Catherine’s place instead, touring the sunny island nation and visiting with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at San Anton Palace. When she asked after their one-year-old son Prince George, William joked: “Malta may not survive baby George – there are a lot of precious things here.”

Related: Duchess Catherine’s first solo royal tour announced

Prince George does have a bit of a reputation for mischief – like the time he threw a toy wallaby that he was presented with while on tour in Australia and on another occasion he threw food at his cousin Mia. All in all, it seems that the royals agree he is a young ball of energy! So sadly, for the people of Malta, George also stayed at home during William’s visit.

Prince William was also apologetic for Catherine’s absence too, saying “I’m sorry you’ve got me instead of Catherine!” when he met with officials at the Auberge de Castille.

Related: Prince George throws food at Zara Phillips daughter Mia

William addressed the crowd on Saturday evening at the country’s 50th anniversary Independence Day celebrations, saying: “Catherine has asked me to say how very sorry she is that she couldn’t be the one to pass on The Queen’s greetings to you all.”

He continued: “she was looking forward to coming here, and I know she hopes very much that she will be able to visit in the future.”

Prince William joked that “Malta wouldn’t survive Prince George,” as he filled in for Duchess Catherine on a royal tour to the Mediterranean island nation.

Prince William filled in for Catherine on the tour, taking part in a boat tour of the Grand Harbour, as she recovered at home from extreme morning sickness.

Prince William met with traditional dancers from Gozo as he visited Vittoriosa Square.

Prince William stands to attention as he attends an Independence Day Service at St John’s Co-Cathedral.

The Prince looked like he was having a great time as he played on a games console with young people at a community centre on his tour of Malta.

Meeting with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at San Anton Palace, Prince William joked: “Malta may not survive baby George – there are a lot of precious things here.”

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