The issues surrounding maternity leave have been hotly contested for years, but when even Kate Middleton needs more time tacked on to hers, it's quite clear that the precious postpartum period just isn't long enough.

A source close to the royal family told People magazine [1] that the princess has preemptively decided to take a longer maternity leave than she did with her nearly 2-year-old son George.

This will undoubtedly mean Kate, who is due to deliver in late April, will remain out of the spotlight for several months. With George, she made her first public appearance just five weeks after giving birth.

"She felt she came back too soon last time," said the source, adding that Kate told friends she wants to fully embrace the bonding experience after having her second baby. "She wants to have that [family] and enjoy it with George and the new baby."