The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge vowed to be present at the Royal family Christmas dinner this year. Kate Middleton believes it is her responsibility to attend and participate in the sumptuous meal with her husband, Prince William and the rest of the Royal family.

"Kate doesn't want to disappoint the Queen, nor does she want to skip on her duties. She feels she is obliged to appear at the annual Christmas dinner, her first as the Duchess of Cambridge and doesn't want to let anyone down," an unnamed source revealed.

However, Prince William is still worried with his wife's delicate condition. The Prince has advised Kate Middleton to just miss out on the event in order to avoid another bout of severe morning sickness. "William has his concerns though that she won't be up to it and told Kate she shouldn't worry if she feels too sick to attend and that no-one will judge her negatively," the source shared.

"Also, with Harry in Afghanistan for the holidays, William believes the meal will be less formal than in previous years and his grandma wouldn't mind if Kate was excused. But Kate isn't having it and is determined to be at the dinner, smiling as always," the source further added.

Queen Elizabeth has also extended the Royal Christmas invitation to the parents of the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge, Carole and Michael Middleton. The invitation for the non-Royal parents to join the yearly family Christmas gathering at the Sandringham Estate put a stop to the long-established exclusive Royal family celebration.

Meanwhile, the soon-to-be Royal mom is reportedly feeling much better. Kate Middleton was present at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards last December 16 which is her first public appearance after the news about her pregnancy broke out. The Duchess of Cambridge even told Gary Lineker, a former soccer player, that she is already feeling very well.

On December 18, Kate Middleton and husband Prince William also hosted a discreet holiday lunch for the 27 members of their staff at the Bumpkin Restaurant in London's Notting Hill neighborhood. The Duchess of Cambridge was also photographed yesterday arriving at the Buckingham Palace with husband Prince William for the annual Royal Christmas lunch.

An insider revealed to Us Weekly magazine that Kate Middleton is slowly taking on her daily schedule of duties and appearances.