At the end of November, the duchess spent two days privately undertaking 'work experience' at Kingston Hospital maternity unit in south-west London to learn about what it was like to work in frontline maternity care, describing the experience as 'a privilege'.
Four photographs taken during her time there, newly released by Kensington Palace, show her with a delighted couple and their newborn baby, chatting to staff and posing for a team photo.
Kate also sat in on home birth meetings at the hospital and in patients' homes, learning about everything from the kit carried by midwives to the practicalities of setting up a birthing pool.
The duchess did not witness or take part in any medical procedures.
In tribute to the staff at Kingston Hospital and their colleagues worldwide, Kate writes: 'Although this was not my first encounter with the care and kindness provided by midwives across the country, it gave me a broader insight into the true impact you have on everybody you help.' Read more from The Daily Mail.