Preparations for the visit of the Duchess of Cambridge are in full swing five days before she is due to arrive… if she does arrive.

News that Kate Middleton is expecting a second child went round the world like wildfire last week… and, in Malta’s case, so did the possibility that she will not make it for the country’s celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Independence in what should be (or have been?) her first solo trip abroad.

The visit is still on, so far, but the morning sickness the duchess is suffering from has already forced her to cancel her commitments in the UK. Sticking to her overseas plans will be harder, although no decision has been taken yet.

Both sides – the UK and Malta – have said that a final decision on Kate’s visit to Malta or cancellation will be taken closer to the date.

Speculation in the meantime is mounting on who will be replacing the Duchess – if she does not come and if, after all, she will be substituted. Because, let’s face it, there is also a possibility that if the duchess cannot make it, the visit will be cancelled or, at best, is postponed to another date, and no replacement is sent in her stead.

Yet, given the excellent relations between the two countries, and given that on the whole Malta will be celebrating 50 years of Independence from Britain, there is a good chance that someone else will be given the duty to come over for such an important occasion.

Who knows – maybe it will be Kate’s own husband, Prince William, who takes over the responsibility. This is what many are hoping for if she duchess is too ill to travel.

But other names are being put forward. Among them is Prince Harry, who said he feels great – after Kate’s pregnancy was announced – to have gone down a place in the list of heirs to the throne currently occupied by Queen Elizabeth.

Tongue in cheek, some are suggesting that Kate should be substituted by her own sister Pippa – who attracted so much media attention ever since she walked up the aisle behind the royal couple when their wedding took place.

But that could be just wishful thinking.

We will not have long to wait for an answer.