The rumor mills are on overdrive speculating that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with a third royal baby. The gossip was further ignited because of her visible absence from social functions and royal events.

On Wednesday, Hollywood Life cited a report by Star magazine claiming that the 33-year-old Princess Kate and 33-year-old Prince William would become parents again for the third time.

The report claimed a source told Star Magazine, "She's in the early stages of pregnancy with baby number 3. She's not taking any chances." The outlet added that Kate's absence from the public view has the blessing of the Queen. "Kate has the Queen's blessing to forgo royal duties for at least two months, until she overcomes the treat of sickness."

The source also explained the reason Kate did not attended the wedding of a close royal friend on Aug. 15, and sent her sister Pippa to escort William instead.

The source added, "William put his foot down and decided her heath must not be put at risk. So Kate rested at home and spent her day relaxing and playing with George and Charlotte. Pippa was delighted to escort William to the wedding. Kate knows she can always rely on her sister and doesn't hesitate to call for her assistance."

However, the rumor was quickly quashed by royal sources who told Gossip Cop that the news was "rubbish" and insisted that Kate was not pregnant.

A separate report by Celebrity Dirty Laundry also denied rumors that the Duchess is on the family way. Indeed, CDL has been reporting about the marital woes between Kate and William and said her absence from public view is caused by their marriage trouble and not due to morning sickness.

"It's no secret that Kate and William have wanted a big family. The Duchess grew up with two siblings - James and Pippa Middleton - and she's smart enough to know producing royal babies gives her a value to the royal circle and solidifies her position. Following that desire and Kate's seclusion, Star magazine claims that Kate Middleton is pregnant with her third child," CDL writes. And added, "CDL sources are laughing off the Kate Middleton pregnancy rumor and insist - Kate Middleton is NOT pregnant with third royal baby."

According to CDL, a third pregnancy might actually put the final coffin in the marriage of William and Kate. A pregnant Kate might add to the stress William is undergoing with his relationship with Middleton and drive him to find a mistress.