Sad George
While the news of royal baby No.3 had us rejoicing, one little boy had to start big school without his mummy...
Last week, the happy news broke that a third royal baby is on the way, meaning that Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two, will soon have a younger sibling.
But, as the nation rejoiced, it also meant that Prince George’s mum, Kate, was forced to miss her son’s first morning at school. She is suffering from acute morning sickness, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which plagued her during her previous two pregnancies.
Poor Kate. Not only is she feeling under the weather, but she’ll surely have been devastated to miss out on her baby boy’s big day.
The nervous young royal arrived at his new school, Thomas’s Battersea, where fees are over £17,000 a year, looking a little uncertain and clutching his father, Prince William’s, hand. Wills, 35, was doing his utmost to reassure his young son.
First days are daunting experiences as it is. But in front of the cameras, without his mummy – possibly secretly worrying she is unwell and not really understanding why – it must have been even more so for the future King of England.
After meeting teachers, the young prince enjoyed his first morning snacks – organic milk, freshly baked pain aux raisins and grissini wholewheat breadsticks.
For lunch, he may well have tucked in to a freshly cooked meal which, whenever possible, features organic meat, vegetables and dairy – something his grandfather, Charles, Prince of Wales, a passionate advocate of organic produce, will be glad to hear.
And, no doubt, Kate, 35, would have been waiting eagerly to hear all George’s news, as would his granny, Carole Middleton, who was heavily involved in taking George to and from his nursery.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a potentially serious condition. Dr Manjeet Shehmar, consultant obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says, ‘It is characterised by severe and prolonged nausea and vomiting. It can lead to dehydration and significant weight loss.’
But the Duchess will have the best of care, and her mother is a frequent visitor. And we all know there’s no one like your mum when you’re sick, even at Kate’s age.
Meanwhile, as Prince George looks forward to becoming a big brother for the second time, royalwatchers are taking bets on the name of the new baby, with Arthur and Victoria reigning as early favourites.
Let’s hope Kate makes a speedy recovery and we start seeing her out and about again – especially at the school gates!