Poor Duchess Catherine has had to cancel yet another public appearance after enduring a fifth week of hyperemesis gravidarum.
The Duchess of Cambridge was scheduled to appear at Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team base in Portsmouth on the English coastline earlier this week, but had to cancel at the last minute.
Catherine has been bedridden for the past five weeks suffering from the illness which includes prolonged and severe nausea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss and low blood pressure.
This cancellation marks the 16th official engagement that the Duchess has been forced to miss, including what was planned to be her first solo international tour with to Malta to celebrate the Mediterranean country’s historic 50th Independence Day celebrations.
Related: Prince William tours Malta in the absence of Catherine
With his wife bed-bound, Prince William gallantly went in her place telling well-wishers concerned about her health that Catherine was “so-so” adding, “she’s up and down at the moment.”
This is the second time Duchess Catherine has battled hyperemesis gravidarum, after first suffering from it during her first pregnancy with Prince George.
Related: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expecting second child palace confirms
When her second pregnancy was announced, the palace released a statement confirming she was being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace.
“As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today,” the statement said.
Related: Duchess Kate suffering extreme morning sickness again
While Catherine was aware she may once again suffer from the severe illness in her second pregnancy, she and her husband Prince William planned to manage it together.
“They had thought that she might be lucky and not suffer it this time, but they knew before they decided to have another baby that it was a possibility. Kate’s very practical and takes everything in her stride and decided that she’d manage to cope and just get on with it if it happened again,” a Palace insider toldE! News.
Related: Duchess Catherine knew she’d risk severe morning sickness – went ahead anyway
At a recent public appearance, Prince William sought the advice of Professor Lesley Page, who is president of the Royal College of Midwives and has over 30-years of experience.
“He actually said to me, ‘Would you like to come and help with us?” Professor Page said.
Related: Prince William calls in the experts to help pregnant Catherine
He told reporters the conversation took place during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and that he willingly accepted his invitation to help the couple.
We certainly hope that the Duchess gets well soon and that we see her make a triumphant return to public life.
Related: Prince Harry cancels 30th Birthday bash until Catherine recovers from morning sickness
