Royals

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

After suffering severe morning sickness during her first pregnancy with Prince George, Duchess Catherine knew she’d risk illness getting pregnant again, but went ahead anyway as Prince William assisted her in planning to manage it.

Related: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expecting second child palace confirms

During her first pregnancy, Catherine was confined to King Edward VII hospital, London for several days suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum and when the Palace announced her second pregnancy, they also confirmed that she is suffering from the illness yet again.

“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 told E! News.

Catherine, who was forced cancel scheduled public appearances, is being treated by doctors at home at Kensington Palace.

Related: Duchess Kate suffering extreme morning sickness again

“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,” read the statement released by Clarence House.

The condition causes prolonged and severe nausea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss and low blood pressure. While the cause of the condition is unknown, studies suggest it is linked to hormonal changes.

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The source also confirmed that they believe the Duchess is about ten weeks along, and that William and Catherine planned it so that she’d be amongst optimal surroundings during the early stages of her pregnancy.

“Kate and William unofficially moved to Amner Hall earlier this summer and they’ve been there for much of her pregnancy so far,” the source said.

“It is their countryside home and she can relax and go for walks through the fields and woods with Lupo in the country air, which is a real tonic for her.”

The royal couple were recently spotted by onlookers on a romantic dinner date together not far from their country abode where they appeared to be more in love than ever. Now, we of course know it was because they were basking in happy news – and evidently it was before any severe illness kicked in for poor Kate.

Related: Prince William and Catherine couldn’t keep hands off each other during romantic dinner

The royal couple have spent recent weeks at their Norfolk estate overseeing renovations to the 200-year-old country mansion gifted to them by the Queen. Renovations on the 10 bedroom mansion are reported to cost over £1.5 million ($2.7 million) and include a new kitchen, garden room and a re-routing their driveway to allow for greater privacy.

Related: Catherine’s first pregnancy – the Duchess is “continuing to feel better”

“As soon as she’s feeling better they’re going to head back to the countryside and really enjoy the pregnancy in private. The poor thing’s been feeling so very sick in the last few days. It’s very early stages of the pregnancy,” the source said.

“Her mother, Carole Middleton, has been visiting them a lot, staying over for several days at a time, cooking Kate’s favourite food and helping out with George as Kate has very little energy to rush around after a toddler.”

No doubt it is all so they can settle their family in away from the bustle of London as their brood continues to grow.

Related: Cheeky Prince Harry welcomes baby news, will now be fifth in line to the throne

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