Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, spent a busy day Thursday celebrating the Commonwealth, visiting a pair of charities and even getting physical with some young athletic hopefuls.
The events marked the last public engagements before the duchess unofficially goes on "maternity leave." Weeks away from having her third child, Kate crouched down to speak at eye-level to children who awaited her arrival with Prince William at London’s Olympic Park.
Inside, the couple visited with organizers of SportsAid, a national charity helping to train young athletes hoping to become future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth champions.The couple also took in a wheelchair basketball session, with Prince William even participating.
Kate, who has a well-known competitive streak, remained on the sidelines and cheered on as William successfully took a shot from his wheelchair.
The couple later helped with preparations for the Commonwealth Big Lunch at St. Luke's Community Centre, which runs local classes on cooking healthy meals.
The events marked the end of a busy week for Kate, 36, who only a day earlier stepped out to speak at symposium she helped organize with the Royal Foundation on the topic of mental health and early childhood intervention.
But Thursday’s appearance will be Kate’s last official engagements until after she gives birth, Kensington Palace said.
The duke and duchess are expecting their third child in April. The baby, whose sex has not been revealed, will be the fifth in line to the British throne. The child falls in line behind big sister, Princess Charlotte, 2, their brother, Prince George, 4, their father, Prince William, and grandfather, Prince Charles.
Kensington Palace announced Kate’s pregnancy last September after the duchess was forced to cancel several engagements because of hyperemesis gravidarum, a rare pregnancy complication Kate also experienced with her two previous pregnancies.
The condition caused her to miss her son’s first day of school but after Kate recovered, she quickly resumed a full schedule filled with charity visits and official events.
She also has been able to enjoy some fun events not exclusive to her royal duties, like attending the BAFTA ceremony, the British equivalent to the Oscars.
And she and her husband were able to take a four-day official trip to Norway and Sweden (without kids!) where they met with fellow royalty but also got some time on the ski slopes.
The Palace hasn’t provided a due date for the newest royal, but the baby is expected to arrive ahead of another big event in the family: the wedding of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle. The couple are scheduled to tie the knot May 19 on the grounds of Windsor Castle.