Kate Middleton and Prince William recently announced that they are expecting their third child, and like her previous pregnancies, the Duchess of Cambridge is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a rare and severe form of morning sickness. The illness has the potential to cause weight loss, and the already slim duchess received immediate bump shaming once photos of her most recent appearance hit the internet.
Tuesday, Oct. 10 marked the Duchess’ first public appearance since the news, when the royal attended a reception for World Mental Health Day at Buckingham Palace. Middleton’s illness has forced her to miss a number of engagements, including Prince George’s first day of school, although Prince William told guests at an awards ceremony in London two weeks ago that his wife was “feeling better,” Today reports.
Videos by PopCulture.com
Up Next: Kate Middleton Shows off Growing Baby Bump
Hyperemesis gravidarum can cause severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss and dehydration, and Middleton suffered so badly during her first pregnancy she had to be hospitalized.
During the event, the Duchess sported a blue lace Temperley London dress, which showed off her tiny but present baby bump. Because the internet is the internet, Middleton was immediately shamed for her appearance, with online trolls accusing her of being too thin and her bump too small.
More: Prince Harry Reacts to News that Prince William and Kate Middleton Are Pregnant
“I can’t believe she’s prego, she looks too thin,” one person wrote on Kensington Palace’s Instagram account. Another referred to the Duchess as “emaciated” and “severely malnourished” and claimed that “there is no such thing as morning sickness.”
Others came to Middleton’s defense, sharing their own stories of suffering from HG.
“As someone who has suffered hyperemesis more than once I really feel for the poor woman,” one woman wrote. “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
“I’m glad to see the Duchess is feeling better!” added another. “I hope the rest of her pregnancy progresses smoothly.”
Photo Credit: Getty / Heathcliff O’Malley
More Celebrity
-
(Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) -
Tom Dymond/Netflix ยฉ 2024 Netflix, Inc. -
– It all comes down to this as four celebrity and pro-dancer couples return to the ballroom to compete and win the Mirrorball trophy on the 11th and final week of the 2019 season of "Dancing with the Stars," live, MONDAY, NOV. 25 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (Eric McCandless via Getty Images)DANCING WITH THE STARS -
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 29: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO BOOK COVERS Taylor Swift performs on stage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Santiago Bernabรฉu Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. -
(Credit: Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images) -
'Scream Queens' Cast Pictured L-R: Lucien Laviscount, Glen Powell, Nasim Pedrad, Nick Jonas, Billie Lourd, Ariana Grande, Abigail Breslin, Emma Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Skyler Samuels, Diego Boneta, Keke Palmer, Oliver Hudson, Lea Michele and Niecy Nash in 'Scream Queens.' (Credit: FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)
