Kate Middleton Accepts Invitation For Royal Race On Baby's Due Date

The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge has consented to a race being named after her at the Piper-Heidsieck July Festival

Kate Middleton has consented to a race being named after her at Newmarket Racecourses next month.

The 'Duchess of Cambridge Stakes' will become part of the Piper-Heidsieck Festival, which takes place around the royal baby's due date, 11-13 July.

Kate Middleton's name joins the late Princess of Wales' at the famous festival.

Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson says: 'We are honoured the Duchess of Cambridge has graciously consented to lend her name to this prestigious race.

'It is a great thrill for us to have a second Royal race at our July Festival and such is the popularity of the Duchess of Cambridge, I am sure that it will be a much-welcomed addition.'

While Kate loves attending the races – she was spotted at the Cheltenham Festival with Prince William back in March – it's unlikely she'll attend her own race, as her baby is rumoured to arrive on 13 July.

It's not the first time that the Duchess of Cambridge has lent her name to an event. This week, Kate Middleton will attend a naming ceremony for a new Princess Cruises ship, for which she is Godmother.

The heavily-pregnant Duchess of Cambridge will 'christen' the cruise liner 'Royal Princess' in Southampton this Thursday, before attending a private gala dinner.

It's thought that the Queen's birthday celebrations at Buckingham Palace next weekend will be her final public engagement before she welcomes her first child.

KATE MIDDLETON WEARS ASOS DRESS IN CHELSEA

WILL KATE MIDDLETON WEAR GUCCI ON THURSDAY?

LATEST NEWS

Got a tablet? You can now download Marie Claire magazine straight to your iPad, Kindle (just search the store for marie claire magazine'), Nook or Google Nexus.