In pictures: Kate's pregnancy so far!

Now that the news of the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy has broken and we know she's less than 12 weeks along, here's a look at her style statements during the early days.

The world is in a tizzy over the news that the world's most popular royal couple is expecting a baby.

The official statement was released rather reluctantly yesterday, as a result of Kate's hospitalisation for a non-threatening but unpleasant pregnancy condition.

As St James' Palace also confirmed that the Duchess is still not 12 weeks along, there is a lot of conjecture as to when she conceived and when the baby will be born.

And of course, many are saying that the signs were already apparent, what with her new hairstyle and latest public appearances.

But were they really? You be the judge!

In the following pages, we bring you a series of photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge going back to mid-September, the time around which it's being speculated that she became pregnant.

We start off with her most recent outing, just two days before the news broke. On November 30, Kate visited St Andrew's, her old prep school in Berkshire, and mingled with the staff and children alike. Although her tartan coat dress gave nothing away (and nobody would have dreamed she was pregnant, given that she even played hockey with the students in high heels!), her pregnancy glow was very much apparent.

Perhaps those looking closely may have detected the hint of a swelling belly, however, when she visited Peterborough City Hospital during an official visit to Peterborough on November 28.

The Duchess' becoming ivory coat was cinched at the waist, but for once the silhouette didn't highlight her usually washboard mid-section and showed a little added roundness instead.

The day before, however, the cameras did catch her having a moment, so to speak -- at the Natural History Museum in London on November 27, a beaming Kate is seen clutching her belly.

Since this was where she debuted her new hairdo, however, and the green dress she had on was reminiscent of one worn by the late Princess Diana, the significance of her little unconscious gesture was lost on everyone -- they were too busy evaluating her new look and drawing comparisons to her mother-in-law!

On November 8, Kate employed the same tactic while attending a reception at the University of St Andrews. Recycling a red carpet gown seen on her previously, she set tongues wagging about her wardrobe yet again.

It's only now, after learning of her pregnancy, that you'll notice all photographs of her at this event capture either her clutch or her hand or both shielding her stomach!

October 23 saw her don slimming black for a reception honouring Olympic and Paralympic medallists at Buckingham Palace.

The floral design was rather more feminine than her usual sharp cuts and of course, there's no sign of her pregnancy here.

But there is here -- and of course, we missed it.

Kate's arrival at the CRI Stockton Recovery Service in Stockton-On-Tees (October 10) saw her place one hand protectively on her tummy as she waved to the crowds.

And yet, all everyone noticed was her stunning burgundy coat and boots!

The day before, she donned a similar belted affair for a visit to the National Football Centre at St George's Park.

The thick fabric of this olive coat and her strategically held purse deceived everyone.

Note her body language in this image, dated October 8.

Looking like a million dollars in a wine jacket and skirt, one hand travels yet again to her mid-section...although to give the Duchess the benefit of doubt, it may well be that she was yet to learn of her pregnancy herself so early on!

Many are of the opinion that she may have conceived while on the Diamond Jubilee tour in September, visiting South-East Asia and the South Pacific alongside Prince William as a representative of the Queen.

The soft maxi she is wearing in this picture -- taken on the island of Tuvalu on September 18 -- has something of a maternity vibe going, don't you think?

And finally, we come to the picture that kicked off royal pregnancy speculation in September itself.

While on tour, a gala reception in Singapore saw Kate raise a glass of iced water for a toast instead of wine. This sent the rumour mills into overdrive, seeming to confirm that the royals were expecting a visit from the stork.

At that point in time, maybe they were, maybe they weren't -- but the Duchess' glass of water certainly confirms that they were prepared!