Kate Middleton Barely Makes an Appearance in the Queen's New Film

Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images
Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

The first trailer for the upcoming Queen of the World documentary has released, giving us an inside look at the sovereign's life and how she's handing down her responsibilities to "the next generation." The preview teases appearances from Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle-but what about Kate Middleton?

The Duchess of Cambridge barely appears in the doc because the filming mostly coincided with her maternity leave, People reports. "Kate was largely out of action during the main filming," an insider told the site.

Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images
Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

The documentary, which focuses on the Queen's work in the Commonwealth, highlights the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which took place from April 16-20 in London. Middleton was "due to give birth any minute then," the source added to People. (Prince Louis was born on April 23.)

In fact, her last working appearance was on March 22, nearly a month prior, so it was unlikely she'd even show up to the big meeting.

"It is traditional for new royal mums to take a six-month break from official engagements," royal biographer, Duncan Larcombe previously told BAZAAR.com. "The [royal] wedding doesn’t count because it was a 'family affair' but other than that, she will pick and choose her engagements."

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

However, Kate will still make a cameo in footage from certain events that she might've attended before maternity leave, or from her few rare appearances after giving birth. Just don't expect any interviews or confessionals from her.

Meghan Markle, on the other hand, does speak to the camera in the documentary, marking her first TV interview since becoming a royal. In a clip from the trailer, she's seen reuniting with her wedding dress for the first time since the royal wedding as she teases her and Harry's upcoming work with the Commonwealth. "It'll keep us busy," she says.

Watch the official Queen of the World trailer below. The film airs on HBO on October 1 at 8 p.m. ET.

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