4 Ideas to Keep Kate Middleton Busy While Prince William is Away

Prince William is deployed to the Falkland Islands on military assignment for six weeks. What's his lonely bride to do? Kate and Will, who will celebrate one year of marriage April 29, are quite close, and Kate has been quoted: "I miss him so much when he's away." How can the lonely Duchess pass the time while her husband is away?

Play with the new Puppy

Perhaps Will and Kate were anticipating the Prince's upcoming absence when they acquired their adorable new puppy recently. The black cocker spaniel is a few months old and the couple has been seen walking along the beach with the pup. It's said that a dog is man's best friend - perhaps he can be a woman's best friend too?

Although the couple now live in remote Anglesey, an apartment at the famous London royal residence of Kensington Palace is being readied for them to use as a London base. Renovation work is being done this year in anticipation of a ready residence for the couple in 2013. Their flat, formerly used by the Queen's late sister Princess Margaret, may need a lot of work. It's reportedly decorated in the Princess' favorite colors, pink and turquoise. Surely Kate could while away quite a few hours bringing the 4-story, 20-room apartment out of the '60s.

The best way to beat the blues is often to reach out to others. The British Royals have always been big on charity, and Kate is no exception. She supports many charities, and even devoted Valentine's Day to charity work.

Middleton spent the day visiting The Brink, a dry bar run by the charity Action on Addiction. She also visited sick children at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House.

On those cold, gray winter days up in solitary northern Wales, the Duchess, who's known to enjoy cooking, could stock up her freezer full of meals so she'll be ready when William returns. A great welcome-back entrée might be Cottage Pie - the Prince's childhood favorite.

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