Britain's Prince William arrives for a re-enactment of a 16th century military parade outside the Presidential Palace in Valletta on 20 September 2014. Prince William has replaced his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as Britain's representative at Malta's 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, as she is suffering from the effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum and on the advice of doctors cancelled her first solo royal visit outside of the United Kingdom. The former British colony gained its independence on 21 September 1964.Reuters 
Britain's Prince William (L) and Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat watch a re-enactment of a 16th century military parade outside the Presidential Palace in Valletta on 20 September 2014.Reuters 
Britain's Prince William (R) talks with participants after a re-enactment of a 16th century military parade outside the Presidential Palace in Valletta.Reuters 
Britain's Prince William (L) and Valletta mayor Alexei Dingli (R) leave after watching a re-enactment of a 16th century military parade outside the Presidential Palace in Valletta.Reuters 
Live footage of Britain's Prince William (R) and Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat unveiling a commemorative plaque in Valletta's Upper Barrakka Garden is projected onto the medieval Fort St Angelo in Valletta's Grand Harbour during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on 20 September 2014.Reuters
Prince William apologised to the crowd in his two-day tour in Malta, as he stood in for the Duchess of Cambridge.
The 32-year-old Duke of Cambridge was on a visit to represent the Queen at official celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain, according to Daily Mail. But unfortunately due to morning sickness his pregnant wife was unable to show up.
He met President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca at her official residence as he arrived at the Mediterranean island yesterday afternoon.
In his speech, he said saying, "While I know that you were not expecting me until a few days ago, I must admit that I feel honoured to be able to represent Her Majesty in a country so beloved by her"
"Catherine has asked me to say how very sorry she is that she couldn't be the one to pass on The Queen's greetings to you all," Prince William apologised. "She was looking forward to coming here, and I know she hopes very much that she will be able to visit in the future."
Some people in the crowd were especially present to see the Duchess of Cambridge and were disappointed as they didn't know that she would not come, according to the Daily Mail.
Kate is suffering from a severe ante-natal sickness, was unable to attend the royal visit. The Duchess, who has a one-year-old baby boy, Prince George and is eight weeks pregnant with her second child, might have been unwell due to her packed schedule. The Daily Mail reports that currently the Duchess is feeling slightly better.
When President Preca was asked about Kate, she said, "She's doing well obviously in the circumstances. I also told his royal highness that we look forward to welcoming all his family including baby George and the new baby."
