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Duchess Kate to join Sir Ben Ainslie for two new engagements in Portsmouth

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The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, has been confirmed to undertake two new public engagements in Portsmouth. The Duchess will visit the city on 12 February after she returns from her family holiday to Mustique.

For her first engagement, Kate will join Sir Ben Ainslie to visit the site of Ben Ainslie Racing and the 1851 Trust headquarters. The Duchess will view an art project on the construction site and meet local artists and students from six nearby schools who created the mural, before adding her own detail to the art work.

The 33-year-old is a Royal Patron of the 1851 Trust, which aims to inspire and engage a new generation through sailing and the marine industry. The Trust is supported by Ben Ainslie Racing, the team to bring the America's Cup back to where it all began in 1851.

Kate © Photo: Getty Images
Duchess Kate will carry out two engagements in Portsmouth

Later that day, Duchess Kate will attend a reception at the Spinnaker Tower with Sir Ben Ainslie. They will meet community leaders and local ambassadors including teachers and students from City College in Southampton, who are building the two specialist 'Docking Rib' boats to help with docking the America's Cup boats in Portsmouth.

Kate will see a display of activities and exhibits in the tower's viewing platform, which will eventually go on display in the 1851 Trust Visitor Centre.

The engagements will come just two months before the Duchess is expected to welcome her second child with Prince William. Kate previously opened up about her second pregnancy on a day of engagements in Kensington in January, and revealed: "It's moving all the time. I can feel it kicking now."

Kate1 © Photo: Getty Images
The Duchess is expecting her second baby in April

Kate is currently enjoying an exotic holiday in Mustique with Prince William and Prince George, along with her parents Michael and Carole Middleton and siblings James and Pippa.

The family are staying in a private villa for the annual holiday and will celebrate Carole Middleton's 60th birthday together on 31st January.

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