People get body shamed for different reasons, and no one is off limits. Duchess Kate was body shamed when she made her first public appearance on Tuesday, October 10 after the announcement came six weeks ago that she and Prince William are expecting their third child next spring. She attended the World Mental Health Day reception along with Prince William and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace.
Mental health is an issue that is very close to the hearts of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. That's why they attended a reception on World Mental Health Day to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations who have contributed these services and resources in the United Kingdom.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Duchess Kate had delayed some of her activities because she has been suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. She experienced the same severe form of morning sickness with her other two pregnancies. When she was expecting Prince George in 2012, she spent three days in the hospital. She suffered from the same condition with her second pregnancy with Princess Charlotte in 2014, but she wasn't hospitalized. So far, she has not been hospitalized with her third pregnancy. A royal aide confirmed that Duchess Kate was not feeling her best during the event on Tuesday. She is improving, but she is not out of the woods yet.
Critics body shamed
Critics were quick to talk about the expecting mother for not having a bigger belly bump.
The pregnant 35-year-old duchess looked good wearing a $1,442 blue lace Temperley London dress, but people could see that she didn't look pregnant. When her photos appeared on Kensington Palace’s official Instagram account, critics did not hold back with their comments. Some questioned if she was really pregnant. Others said they couldn't believe how thin she looks.
Some people went so far as to call her emaciated and said she was malnourished.
On the other hand, there were a few supporters who said how serious hyperemesis gravidarum is. They added that she will probably show a bigger belly bump after she is out of the morning sickness phase. One pregnant woman joked that Duchess Kate looks lovely while she herself is looking like a cow.
Support system
Us Weekly reported that the royals are delighted about having another baby around the palace. Prince William's father Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla are delighted about the new addition to their family. They are supporting Duchess Kate along with newlywed Pippa Middleton who has been visiting her older sister on a regular basis.