Duchess Kate's 2013 highlights

January

Kate was all smiles as her first official portrait by artist Paul Emsley was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in January

February

After a rocky start to her pregnancy which saw Kate hospitalised with acute morning sickness in December, the Duchess was back to her happy, healthy self after a holiday in the Caribbean. She kept a full schedule of engagements until her maternity leave began in June

March

Former Brownie Kate proved herself to be a dab hand at breadmaking when she joined a Scout group for an adventure-filled day in the Lake District. When she cooked traditional unleavened camping bread on an open fire, the instructor described her attempt as "brilliant"

April

As her baby bump became increasingly prominent, Kate started to have lots of fun with maternity fashion. Her effortless combining of high street items with bespoke pieces won her fashion plaudits the world over

May

Invitees flocked to catch a glimpse of the Duchess at the first of the Queen's Buckingham Palace garden parties in May. Wearing a summery yellow dress coat by Emilia Wickstead, she was utterly radiant two months ahead of the birth of her first baby

June

The stylish royal pulled out all the sartorial stops for her final public engagement before going on maternity leave. She showed a daring side to her fashion sense in a monochrome leopard coat to officially name a cruise liner in Southampton

July

It's an image that will be etched on the minds of millions of people around the world for generations to come. Prince William and Kate were visibly overcome with emotion as they emerged from St Mary's Hospital cradling their newborn son Prince George

August

A month after the future King was born, William and Kate released their first official family photographs. The relaxed snaps were taken by Kate's father Michael Middleton in the garden of their Berkshire home

September

Kate dazzled on her first official royal engagement since becoming a mum when she attended the Tusk Trust Conservation Awards with Prince William. The fashionista royal sparkled in a floor-length gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham

19 October

The new mum hit headlines when she played volleyball in her trademark wedge heels just weeks after giving birth. The Duchess impressed her teammates and opponents with her sporting prowess. She was at the Olympic Park on behalf of the charity SportsAid of which she is a royal Patron

23 October

The 31-year-old couldn't hide her pride when she carried her baby son Prince George into the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace for his christening. Her sophisticated Alexander McQueen ensemble matched little George's gown

November

The graceful brunette laughed off a near wardrobe malfunction when her Orla Kiely skirt blew up in the wind when she attended a forum for children's mental health charity Place2Be in London. She was poised as ever as she held her skirt down while accepting flowers from a young girl

December

The famously friendly Duchess took time to speak to wellwishers who had gathered to welcome the royal family to their annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham. Although George stayed at home, he was clearly at the forefront of his parents' minds as they told the crowds he was more interested in the wrapping paper than his actual presents