Royals

Duchess Catherine steps out solo just weeks before baby number three’s arrival

She's not slowing down, but it was all for a cause close to her heart.
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Duchess Catherine may be just weeks away from welcoming her third little prince or princess into the world, but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to take a step back from her all-important royal duties.

Kate, who is reportedly expecting her third child on April 23, braved chilly temperatures to travel solo to Pegasus Primary School in Oxford, about 50 miles northwest of London on Tuesday. There, she learnt more about the work of the charity, Family Links.

No rest for this mum-to-be!

Wearing an eggshell JoJo Maman Bébé maternity coat that she first wore while expecting Princess Charlotte in March of 2015, the expectant royal was greeted by a sea of cheering and flag-waving children.

The 36-year-old took the time to chat happily with the youngsters and even stopped to play and giggle with a nine-month-old little girl. The mini royal fan showed her excitement at the encounter by flinging her arms around delightedly — prompting fits of laughter from all those involved!

Kate shared a sweet moment with a nine-month-old little girl as she arrived solo to the Pegasus Primary School in Oxford.

Once inside, Kate joined a class during “circle time” an activity session which encourages students to share their thoughts and feelings on a range of topics, including how to support a fellow pupil if they are being bullied, or how to cope with a stressful situation.

It’s a subject very close to the royal’s heart — she’s previously called for action to address emotional issues in young people as early as possible.

“I am very impressed by all of you,” Kate told the students following the discussion. “Having met lots of grown-ups who have not had this opportunity to speak about their feelings and emotions, you are setting yourself up for a fantastic start in life.”

She added: “Keep up the hard work. It was very nice to meet you as well. Good luck. Say hi to your mums and dads.”

The Duchess chatted happily with youngsters who waited in the cold to catch a glimpse at her arrival.

Afterwards, Zhara Gathenya, a student at the primary school, described her chat with the mother-of-two (soon-to-be three!) as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“It’s probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually meet somebody from the royal family,” the 10-year-old said.

“It wasn’t as nerve-racking as you think it would be because she’s just a normal ordinary person like everybody else.”

The 36-year-old royal, who wore a statement coat for her visit to the primary school, is expecting her third child in April.

The Duchess and husband Prince William have stayed pretty tight-lipped on the details surrounding their third child, other than confirming the new arrival is due sometime in April.

But according to a fresh report by UK paper The Sun, Duchess Catherine’s due date could fall on a very patriotic holiday.

The publication claims the royal couple will welcome their bundle of joy “on or around” St George’s Day on Monday, April 23rd.

St George’s Day is celebrated by Christian denominations around the world and honours the Feast of Saint George.

She’s bumping along nicely!

“There’s no certainty with due dates of course but the Duchess is working off a date around St George’s Day and it would be a lovely patriotic coincidence if he or she were born then,” an insider explained.

“Or if she’s very late, as she was with George’s birth, she could even make it a very special wedding anniversary present to William, as they celebrate seven years of marriage on the 29th April,” the source continued.

Like Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Kate and William have reportedly decided not to find out the gender of their baby, The Sun also reports.

It’s also claimed she’ll give birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, just like she did with her two other babies.

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