Duchess of Cambridge stepping out in public

LONDON (WHDH) -- The Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance on Tuesday.

It was the first time she’d officially stepped out in the public eye since Christmas.

The blossoming Duchess of Cambridge showed off her baby bump in a figure hugging dress. The four-and-a-half months pregnant Duchess of Cambridge held her hands protectively in front of her. Tuesday morning she visited a center that treats women with addiction. It’s one of the charities she works with. The duchess just got back from a vacation with William.

“She’s had a relaxing and wonderful holiday in the Caribbean with her husband and family. i think she's raring to go, to show she's not ill. She’s pregnant, but like many women wants to continue working until she doesn't have to and the baby is ready to emerge,” said royal watcher, Robert Jobson.

The palace was far from relaxed about photos on the beach last week, first published in Italy. They called it an invasion of privacy - the same treatment that Princess Diana had.

“She's going to be under the spotlight all the time. I would strongly advise her if she wants to avoid this getting worse again that she stays away from stress as much as possible,” said Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a general practitioner.

She may be getting the same advice from her own doctors - Kate's next public appearance is in March, but as she gets more visibly pregnant, it's the pictures of her in private that the palace is determined to fight against. The Duke of Cambridge is away, concentrating on his duties as a search and rescue pilot. Royal insiders said he has decided what to do for the future and there may be a decision soon that he plans to leave the Royal Air Force to focus on being a father.