Last week, the International Business Times reported that the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, who has undergone bouts of "severe morning sickness," was living at her parents in Buckleberry, under the watchful eye of her mother. She is now reportedly back in her home.

According to Mirror, on Nov. 19, Middleton, who is expecting her second child in April 2015, welcomed guests to her home in the Kensington Palace State Apartments for their inaugural Wellbeing in Schools Awards in honor of Place2Be, a children's mental health charity. Sources report that since 2013, Middleton has been a patron of the charity, sharing similar passions for mental health in young people. Earlier this year, it was reported that she would meet the 20 finalists and gift the Child Champion Award to a young person who has overcome various obstacles and paid it forward by serving others in need.

This would be Middleton's second royal engagement since appearing at the annual Royal Variety Performance at The Palladium in London on Nov. 13. Sporting a sophisticated full-length black Diane Von Furstenberg frock complimenting her husband's black suit, the pair met with Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife.

After the show, the royal couple met with the show's host Michael McIntyre and singers Ed Sheeran, Demi Lovato, Dame Shirley Bassey and Bette Midler.

Making even bigger headlines, the pair also met with popular boy band One Direction.

"I said congratulations on the bump," Harry Styles, the group's front man, said to reporters after the chance encounter.

Styles spoke with Middleton in the foyer of the London Palladium.

"She didn't look bumpy," he said.

According to The Mirror, Middleton arrived around 6:20 p.m. at the Queen's Gallery for the reception dressed chic in a black Hobbs top and skirt by designer Jenny Packham, where she was then introduced to Benita Refson, Chief Executive of Place2Be. The ceremony began in the King's Gallery shortly after the reception at 7 p.m., where The Duchess presented 11-year-old Bailey Dunne with the award.

Middleton also surprised Benita Refson, the founder of Place2Be, with a special award, recognizing her years of dedication.

Gossip has run amok in recent months, with reports of the royal couple fighting.

"Numerous tabloids are claiming that despite the smiles for the cameras in public, all is not well 'back at the ranch' as the royal couple deal with some 'marital issues,'" Inquisitr reported.

Inquisitr also reported that Queen Elizabeth II wanted Middleton to get back to "work" and carry out her royal duties, but the rumor has not been confirmed.

Middleton has announced that she will be spending Christmas at her countryside home in Anmer Hall during the holiday to clear her head and get away from the turbulence of London.

In the spring, Middleton is expected to give birth to her second child and intends to raise both of her children in Norfolk, according to Parade.

Related