CELEBRITIES

Duchess Kate too sick to visit Malta

USA TODAY

As had been anticipated for nearly two weeks, pregnant Duchess Kate is still too ill with morning sickness to travel to Malta this weekend for what was to be her first overseas solo visit.

The palace announced today that Prince William would take her place on Saturday and Sunday, representing the queen at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Mediterranean island's independence from the former British Empire.

The queen, plus husband Prince Philip and son Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, are in Scotland at their Balmoral Castle for their annual summer holiday. Ironically, today is the day Scotland is voting on its independence, a prospect still too close to call and one which queen has publicly suggested voters should "think carefully" about.

Malta's independence is less controversial, but Kate is staying home this weekend on advice of her doctors, the palace said.