Royals

Duchess Catherine hits the tennis court in her first solo outing since announcing her pregnancy

The Duchess of Cambridge dropped by the Lawn Tennis Association in her first solo appearance since announcing her pregnancy in September.
Loading the player...

The Duchess of Cambridge has taken to the tennis court in her first solo appearance since announcing her pregnancy in September.

Kate, 35, dropped by the the Lawn Tennis Association on Tuesday morning, where she took part in a ‘Tennis for Kids’ session — a program designed to encourage children, aged five to eight years old, to play and enjoy tennis.

She attended the event in her role as patron of the LTA, having taken over the patronage from the Queen last year.

Of course, the royal is an avid tennis player and even has a court at her Anmer Hall country home.

Kate, who is currently expecting her third little prince or princess, kept things casual for the hands-on event with a black tracksuit and a bright white pair of Nike sneakers. Completing the on-court look, she pulled her signature locks away from the face with a simple ponytail.

Speaking with Sam Richardson, a coach with the association, the beloved royal revealed that her four-year-old son, George, may also have the tennis bug.

“[Kate] says with George just being four he wants to whack a ball. So, she was asking what sort of stuff should be doing,” he told People. “She said he’s interested in it but more in whacking the ball.”

Kate, who is currently pregnant with her third child, pulled her hair back into a ponytail for the hands-on event.

During the event, the Duchess took part in a ‘Tennis for Kids’ session.

She took the time to chat with many of the children involved in the activity.

And as an avid tennis player, the royal couldn’t hide her impressive tennis skills!

During the event, the soon-to-be mother-of-three also chatted with tennis pro Johanna Konta — Britain’s No.1 tennis player.

“It was good and fun. She’s lovely,” Johanna later said of Kate. “It was great to see her passion for tennis and that she was here to learn about these great programs being run by the LTA.”

She added: “Every little girl and almost every boy wants to meet a princess and it got them very excited.”

Unlike the usual royal engagements, Kate was able to swap her heels for a pair of sneakers.

The Duchess has been forced to miss a number of important events in recent weeks — including her son’s first day at school — owing to extreme morning sickness or ‘hyperemesis gravidarum,’ the same nasty condition she battled while pregnant with four-year-old son, George and two-year-old daughter, Charlotte.

But it looks as if she’s on the mend!

Kensington Palace have begun to once again announce the royal’s appearances ahead of time, suggesting that she’s feeling well enough to schedule and keep forthcoming engagements.

In fact, Kate is expected to make an appearance at a gala dinner next week for the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

She will step out for the glittering event held at The Orangery at Kensington Palace on Tuesday 7 November, in her role as patron of the mental health charity. There, she will meet with families who are being supported by the initiative and learn more about their latest projects.

In September, Kate and Wills announced that they are expecting their third little prince or princess together.

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child,” Kensington Palace said.

“The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.”

WATCH: A pregnant Kate surprises onlookers as she hits the dance floor. Post continues…

Loading the player...
Loading the player...

Related stories