Duchess Catherine attended the fewest official engagements of the British royal family this year.
The 32-year-old royal – who is expecting her second child with husband Prince William, a sibling for 17-month-old Prince George – undertook 76 visits, meetings and receptions, less than any of the other 14 royals whose activities are listed daily on the Court Circular.
However, insiders insist Queen Elizabeth – who conducted around 375 engagements this year – is not concerned as she and her family support Catherine’s wish to enjoy her first few years as a wife and mother before fully immersing herself in public life, while for the first time in over 100 years, there are three living generations of heirs to the throne, as well as members of the extended family.
A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "There are more than enough senior members of the Royal Family to undertake the annual number of public duties required."
Heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles was the hardest-working royal, undertaking over 450 public duties.
The number of appointments was much fewer than in recent years but this is attributed to the fact he now takes on longer foreign trips on behalf of his mother.
A Clarence House spokesman said: "In 2014, in addition to his public engagements in the UK, the prince undertook seven international visits at the request of Her Majesty’s Government including attending the D-Day commemorations in Normandy.
"The prince continues to do all he can to make a difference for the better in the UK and internationally through his charitable work."
Elsewhere, 93-year-old Prince Philip undertook over 300 duties, while his daughter Princess Anne undertook around 419.
Prince Andrew saw a drop in duties to 297 over the year, with a number of trips abroad to countries including China and his younger brother, Prince Edward, undertook 348 appointments.
Catherine’s husband Prince William undertook 111 engagements – almost double that of the previous year.
It is less than other senior royals because of his full-time military commitments.
Duchess Catherine does fewest duties
