Kate Middleton Is Taking on Even More Royal Duties Amid Queen Camilla's Health Issues

Kate Middleton has only just returned to the spotlight after completing her chemotherapy treatment, and already her schedule is looking rather jam-packed. As Queen Camilla continues to battle what was recently revealed to be pneumonia, Kate is now taking on additional duties in her stead.

Today, that included welcoming the Emir of Qatar for his two-day visit to the U.K. After his arrival in Whitehall, London, the group presided over another, more "official" welcome at Horse Guards Parade. King Charles then hosted the group for a special luncheon, which included Kate.

"The Princess is feeling positive about the future and very much looking forward to representing the royal family at the state visit and beyond," a source told The Mirror prior to the Emir's arrival. "Her work has always been a great tonic to her as she continues to concentrate on her recovery moving forward to the end of the year and beyond."

For her part, Camilla attended the private lunch with the Emir, as well as the evening state banquet, which Kate skipped. The Queen has now been sick for nearly a month, with doctors advising her to rest as much as possible.

Kate's participation in the Emir's state visit marks her busiest week of the year, which will end with her annual charity carol concert in Westminster Abbey on Friday. Despite the fact that Camilla's absence has put even more pressure on the Princess, royal expert Sally Bedell Smith says Kate has "managed the expectations of the public very well."

“I am sure she has missed participating and she seemed happy to be doing so,” Smith told People in November, when Kate first returned to the public eye for Remembrance Day. “Being a senior member of the royal family and doing these ceremonial events is obviously important to her."

Read the original article on InStyle