Kate to Make Last Public Appearance Next Week
![](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/1280x720/public/images/2013-06/640_kate_middleton_130603_169898313.jpg?crop=1125:633$&width=1125)
Kate to Make Last Public Appearance Next Week
As Kate Middleton's mid-July due date draws near, the Duchess of Cambridge is preparing for her last public appearances before officially beginning maternity leave next week.
A St. James Palace spokesman told NBC News that Kate's last public appearance will be next Saturday, June 15 for Britain's annual "Trooping of the Colour" -- an official celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's birthday. She's also scheduled to help christen a Royal Princess cruise ship on June 13.
PICS: Kate Middleton Maternity Style
The palace official did not disclose how much time off the Duchess, or her husband Prince William, plan to take off once the baby is born.
Kate took a brief break from her public schedule after being hospitalized last December for a severe form of morning sickness. But since then she's maintained a busy public schedule and earlier this week attended a Westminster Abbey service celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.