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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Prince William starts Malta trip without pregnant Kate | Prince William starts Malta trip without pregnant Kate |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| The Duke of Cambridge has begun an official visit to Malta as a last-minute replacement for his pregnant wife as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence. | |
| The trip would have been the duchess's first official solo overseas visit but she withdrew on doctors' advice after suffering severe morning sickness. | The trip would have been the duchess's first official solo overseas visit but she withdrew on doctors' advice after suffering severe morning sickness. |
| The first day of the visit included a tour of the national library to see letters from Henry VIII and George II. | |
| Prince George has remained at home. | |
| Malta gained its independence from the UK on 21 September, 1964. | Malta gained its independence from the UK on 21 September, 1964. |
| Analysis | Analysis |
| Peter Hunt, BBC Royal correspondent | Peter Hunt, BBC Royal correspondent |
| This weekend was meant to have marked the next stage in the Duchess of Cambridge's on the job royal training - a solo visit abroad. | This weekend was meant to have marked the next stage in the Duchess of Cambridge's on the job royal training - a solo visit abroad. |
| But the subtle shift in what she does will have to wait as a pregnant Kate continues to suffer, for a second time, from very acute morning sickness. | But the subtle shift in what she does will have to wait as a pregnant Kate continues to suffer, for a second time, from very acute morning sickness. |
| Prince William - who is becoming an old hand as he tiptoes towards his destiny - is stepping into the breach to the delight of the president of Malta. | Prince William - who is becoming an old hand as he tiptoes towards his destiny - is stepping into the breach to the delight of the president of Malta. |
| Marie Louise Coleiro Preca told the BBC William's presence would give the 50th anniversary celebrations the "significance" that was needed. She also expressed the hope that he would return, next time, with Kate and George. | Marie Louise Coleiro Preca told the BBC William's presence would give the 50th anniversary celebrations the "significance" that was needed. She also expressed the hope that he would return, next time, with Kate and George. |
| With a future king at the heart of the events, this will be an occasion when the talk will be of the benefits of independence - Maltese, not Scottish. | With a future king at the heart of the events, this will be an occasion when the talk will be of the benefits of independence - Maltese, not Scottish. |
| Read more from Peter Hunt | Read more from Peter Hunt |
| The couple made the decision on Wednesday that the duchess - who has a severe form of morning sickness - would stay at home. | The couple made the decision on Wednesday that the duchess - who has a severe form of morning sickness - would stay at home. |
| Catherine was forced to cancel a number of engagements last week after her second pregnancy was announced last Monday. | Catherine was forced to cancel a number of engagements last week after her second pregnancy was announced last Monday. |
| The itinerary for the trip was not changed after it was announced that Prince William would be travelling to the country instead of his wife. | |
| The prince met Maltese President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat before watching the re-enactment of a historical event in the capital Valletta. | |
| The In Guardia Parade sees the fort's garrison dress in medieval costumes to act out the inspection of a fort and garrison by the grand bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St John. | |
| Prince William was shown documents in Malta's national library, including letters from his royal ancestors, and the original citation awarding the George Cross to Malta for its bravery in facing a sustained bombardment by Germany and Italy during World War Two, when it was a vital British base in the Mediterranean. | |
| Crowds had gathered outside the library to welcome the prince to Malta. |