Kate will use the time William is away to attend a series of charity functions. Photo: PA
Kate is reportedly set to use the time to launch herself as a solo member of the royal family, and has booked herself in for a number of public appointments during his absence.
According to the Telegraph, the series of engagements will mainly be related to causes of which she has become patron.
Attendance on her own at events for these organisations is a bold move for Kate, who has only attended one official appointment on her own at Clarence House since marrying William last April.
And there's one thing we can't wait for - to see what she'll be wearing, of course.
Kate's style has taken the fashion world by storm in the last year, and the Duchess has today been announced as the Hat Person of the Year by the The Headwear Association.
- 1986<p> In Jordan aged four, with sister Pippa and dad Michael - where the family lived for two years.</p>

- 1987<p> A family photo of Kate aged five.</p>

- 2005<p> Kate Middleton attends the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in 2005.</p>

- 2006<p> Kate Middleton attends a party to celebrate The Shop at Bluebird opening.</p>

- 2006<p> Kate attends the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's pre-Wimbledon party hosted by Sir Richard Branson at The Roof Gardens in 2006.</p>

- 2007<p> Kate makes her way home after a day at work at high street label Jigsaw.</p>

- 2007<p> At the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007.</p>

- 2007<p> Kate at Badminton Horse Trials in 2007.</p>

- 2007<p> Kate steps out for a book launch in London.</p>

- 2007<p> Out and about in London in 2007.</p>

- 2010<p> Prince William and Kate Middleton announce their engagement at St James' Palace on November 16, 2010.</p>

- 2011<p> For her first official appearance since the engagement announcement, Kate attended a lifeboat naming ceremony in North Wales.</p>

- 2011<p> Prince William and Kate return to the University of St Andrews in Scotland.</p>

- 2011<p> And the bride wore Alexander McQueen...</p>

- 2010<p> Kate attends Harry Meade & Rosie Bradford's wedding in Northleach, Gloucestershire.</p>

- 2011<p> Attending Derby Day at the at Epsom racecourse.</p>

- 2011<p> Dressed to impress at the Annual Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) Gala Dinner in June 2011.</p>

- 2011<p> The Duchess arrives at the wedding of Sam Waley-Cohen and Annabel Ballin.</p>

- 2011<p> The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Summerfield Community Centre in Birmingham.</p>

- 2011<p> Taking in a spot of tennis at Wimbledon before setting off on the royal tour of Canada.</p>

- 2011<p> At the Canada Day celebrations as part of the royal couple's North American Tour.</p>

- 2011<p> At a reception at Calgary Zoo in Canada.</p>

- 2011<p> Kate the cowgirl? The Duchess attends Calgary Stampede.</p>

- 2011<p> Next stop, the Canadian War Museum.</p>

- 2011<p> Then on to the Province House in Charlottetown, Canada.</p>

- 2011<p> The Duchess of Cambridge visits a part of town devastated by a fire in Slave Lake, Alberta.</p>

- 2011<p> At Calgary Airport on day eight of the royal couple's tour of North America.</p>

- 2011<p> The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the BAFTA Brits To Watch event held at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles.</p>

- 2011<p> The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for her departure at Los Angeles International Airport.</p>

- 2011<p> At Santa Barbara Racquet and Polo Club for a Foundation Polo Challenge.</p>

- 2011<p> Another royal wedding, this time it's for Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.</p>

- 2011<p> In Alexander McQueen at <em>The Sun</em>'s Military Awards.</p>

- 2011<p> In Temperley London at the <em>War Horse </em>premiere.</p>

- 2005<p> William and Kate on the day of their graduation at St Andrews.</p>

