Duchess Kate Sets Date For Public Return

The Duchess of Cambridge is to appear in public for the first time since she left hospital after the birth of baby George last month.

Kate will join husband William on September 12 at an awards ceremony to celebrate figures from the world of wildlife conservation at an event staged by wildlife conservation charity Tusk Trust , of which the Duke is patron.

Two awards will be presented, a lifetime achievement honour named after the Duke and another recognising an up-and-coming conservationist.

The ceremony will be filmed for a new ITV and CNN documentary featuring the Duke which will be screened next month.

In footage already filmed, the prince speaks about his hopes for his family and his passion for wildlife conservation.

"Prince William talks about his love of Africa, his commitment to wildlife conservation and his hope that Prince George will one day share these passions," said an ITV spokeswoman.

"He explains the pivotal part that Africa has played in his life and reflects on continuing a royal legacy in the continent, building on his father's conservation work and Princess Diana's humanitarian campaigns."

It had been thought the Duchess would spend much of the autumn out of the limelight and away from public duties caring for her baby.

But, following confirmation from Kensington Palace that Kate will take part in the event, royal watchers say it indicates the Duchess plans to juggle motherhood with royal engagements sooner than expected.