Kate Middleton set to break royal protocol with her maternity leave following birth of Prince Louis

Kate Middleton may ignore royal tradition by making a second public appearance just weeks after the birth of her third child.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 36, gave birth to Prince Louis Arthur Charles on April 23, and is entitled to six months maternity leave - as are all royal mothers.

However, she made an exception in order to attend the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last weekend.

And according to reports, the public may get another glimpse of the mother-of-three if she decides to attend the Queen's official birthday the Trooping of the Colour on June 9.

Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe told Harpers Bazaar Online: ‘It is traditional for new royal mums to take a six-month break from official engagements.

‘The wedding doesn’t count because it was a 'family affair' but other than that, she will pick and choose her engagements. If she wanted, Kate could disappear into the background until October!’

It’s highly unlikely that Kate will stay out of the spotlight until the Autumn, as she chose to make official outings just weeks after welcoming her other children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Following Prince George’s birth on July 22, 2013, Kate stepped out at the Ring O’Fire Anglesey Costal Ultra Marathon the following month. And after the arrival of Princess Charlotte on May 2, 2015, she made sure to attend the Trooping of the Colour on June 13.

Earlier this week, the Duchess spoke about motherhood in an open letter which she wrote to mark Children’s Hospice Week.

‘Spending quality time together is such an important aspect of family life and for me, as a mother, it is the simple family moments like playing outside together that I cherish,’ she said.

‘The theme of Children’s Hospice Week this year is ‘Life’s Short’ and I am touched that children and young people are sharing what they love most in life and reminding us of how precious time is for everyone,’ added Kate, who is patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.

Words by Kirsty McCormack