Kate Middleton Pregnant: Baby Due Date March-April 2015

Despite an official announcement that she is suffering from a pregnancy illness, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was recently seen in public sporting a small baby bump as she and her husband Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, were seen leaving King's Head pub in Great Bircham near their Anmer Hall home in Norfolk on Sept. 11.

"Locals were stunned to see the royal couple saunter in and sit at a quiet table in the corner," a Radar Online report said. "Towards the end of the meal, a couple of stunned locals introduced themselves to the royal couple and shook their hands."

Middleton, 32, is expecting her second child with Prince William and rumored to be due in March or April 2015.

Last week, the Palace announced that the Duchess of Cambridge had canceled her plans to tour Malta this weekend.

"Her Royal Highness continues to suffer from the effects of hyperemesis gravidarum. The decision not to travel was taken by the Duke and Duchess on the advice of the Duchess's doctors," the Palace said in a statement.

Prince William will take her place. "The Duke is honored to represent Her Majesty the Queen on the visit," said the Palace. "The visit itinerary remains unchanged."

The Palace earlier announced in July that Middleton would be visiting Malta to represent Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of the republic's 50 years of independence.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is an acute form of morning sickness. The Duchess first suffered from the sickness during her pregnancy with Prince George, now 13 months, in 2012.

The palace said the Duchess was being treated at home.

Middleton failed to attend other engagements due to her pregnancy sickness, according to reports. One of these engagements was Prince Harry's recent launch events for New Zealand's Invictus Games. Though the Duchess was conspicuously missing during the games, the other members of the royal family -- Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Charles, and the Duchess of Cornwall -- were all seen enjoying themselves during the games.

According to health authorities, women with hyperemesis gravidum have numerous ways to ease the symptoms of this condition. A gynecologist may prescribe medication such as anti-nausea medicines or antacids – medicines that experts say have no adverse effects on the baby.

To avoid excessive vomiting, which is one of the major symptoms of the illness, affected women may take ginger tea, which helps calm an upset stomach and keep queasiness at bay, doctors say.

They say eating small snacks that contain carbohydrates may also help alleviate the condition. Women with this type of pregnancy illness are also told to avoid spicy foods which may cause heartburn which could worsen their condition.

A diet consisting of bland food such as mashed potatoes, plain pasta or crackers is also recommended for women coping with severe morning illness.