Kate Middleton Isn’t Joining Prince William on His Next Royal Tour

The Duke of Cambridge is heading to the Middle East for an official visit.

Kate Middleton isn’t going with Prince William on his upcoming tour.  Tim Rooke/Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

It has been less than a month since Prince William and Kate Middleton returned to the United Kingdom after completing a five-day royal tour of Pakistan, but there’s already another official overseas visit on the horizon. The Duke of Cambridge is going on a four-day tour to Kuwait and Oman from December 1 to December 4, but the Duchess of Cambridge isn’t joining him this time around.

Kensington Palace announced the trip in the Middle East earlier this week, but kept details to a minimum, as specifics will be released closer to the actual tour.

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While many wondered why Kate isn’t accompanying Prince William to Kuwait and Oman, it’s not uncommon for the Duke of Cambridge to undertake official tours solo, and this isn’t the first time he’s gone on a visit sans Kate—last September, he went on a private work trip to Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya last September, when the Duchess of Cambridge was still on maternity leave.

Prince William and Kate Middleton returned from their royal tour of Pakistan last month. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince William will continue to go on solo royal tours in the future, especially as he prepares for his future role as Prince of Wales and eventually King. He’s following in Prince Charles’ footsteps with this visit, as his father toured Kuwait in February 2015 and Oman in November 2016.

Since Kate will be in London at Kensington Palace for the duration of the tour, the Cambridges don’t need to worry about finding any extra babysitters for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The Duchess of Cambridge is staying in London this time. Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate do have a number of royal engagements together before the upcoming tour, though, as they’re attending a number of Remembrance Day ceremonies and events over the next few days, where they’ll be reunited with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before the Sussexes head off on their six-week break. And, of course, Prince William will be back in time for the holidays, when the whole family heads to Sandringham to celebrate with the Queen.

Kate Middleton Isn’t Joining Prince William on His Next Royal Tour