Why Kate Middleton Skipped Her First Solo Tour Of Malta In 2014

Kate Middleton’s first solo overseas tour was set to be in Malta in 2014, but she decided to not push through with it at the last minute.

The palace announced Middleton’s upcoming trip in July 2014, but her pregnancy with Princess Charlotte was announced two months later. The Duchess of Cambridge suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, also known as acute morning sickness, that is why she was unable to push through with her trip.

Middleton’s doctors advised her to not go on any trip because of her condition. Extreme morning sickness could result in vomiting and dehydration. Since Middleton’s trip to Malta has already been organized, Prince William took over her place and went to the country instead.

While speaking with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca that time, Prince William said that his wife was feeling “so-so” and was so sad to not be able to push through with her trip.

Meanwhile, Middleton suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum in her other two pregnancies with Prince George and Prince Louis. She gave birth to her youngest child on April 23, and the Duchess of Cambridge just returned to her official duties this week.

When she starts traveling to different cities and countries again, Middleton won’t be allowed to accept gifts from royal fans. Kara Godfrey, a journalist for Express, said that there is a strict royal protocol in place regarding accepting and keeping gifts from supporters.

The only time that Middleton and the other members of the royal family can accept gifts is if they are flowers, food, and are worth $196 and below. Books given personally to royals by the author may also be kept as long as the topic is not controversial.

“Gifts offered by private individuals living in the UK not personally known to the Member of the Royal Family should be refused where there are concerns about the propriety and motives of the donor or the gift itself,” the official palace website stated.