Kate Performs Final Pre-Baby Duties In London

The Duchess of Cambridge has been attending her final public engagements before going on maternity leave.

Like most mums-to-be, Kate is taking a break before her second child arrives in April, and for a Duchess that means time away from her royal duties.

Joined by Prince William she has visited youth projects in south London, reflecting their interest in work to help disadvantaged young people.

The first stop of the day was the Stephen Lawrence centre in Deptford, where Stephen's mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence gave them a tour of the building.

It was set up in 2008 as a centre for community learning, to inspire and motivate young people.

Stephen, who had a keen interest in design and architecture, was murdered in 1993 when he was 18. The royal couple will be shown a display of his work.

The XLP youth project at Christ Church in Gipsy Hill was also on the agenda where the couple were due to watch a performance from teenagers helped by the group's Arts Programme.

It encourages pupils, who for various reasons struggle academically, to express themselves through dance, comedy, drama, rap and singing.

And finally they will potentially have their music skills put to the test when they visit the group's X-Mobile studio. The converted old police riot van is now kitted out as a mobile recording studio and works with young people in schools and on estates across south London.

Last week on a visit to a children's centre Kate told a volunteer that the baby was due 'mid to late April', although Kensington Palace has not released details of her exact due date.

It is also not publicly known whether Prince George can expect a baby brother or sister.