The newest addition to the Royal Family and the fourth in line to the British Throne is officially on it’s way!
The announcement came today via an official statement from the Palace which read:
“HRH The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted at 06.00hrs to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London and is in the early stages of labour.”
“The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.”
The Duchess and Prince William were driven to St Mary’s Hospital at 6:00am from her apartment at Kensington Palace, while Prince George is with his nanny, Maria Borrallo.
The 33-year-old was around a week overdue and there has been much speculation all week that she may have to be induced.
It’s been reported that her labour is “progressing normally”, following her admission with the facility reportedly charging a royal rate of £12,000 or AUD $23,464.80 for a natural delivery.
Security has since stepped up with two Policemen standing guard outside Lindo Wing.
The Duke and Duchess’ spokesman revealed that they do not plan to make any further comment until they are ready to announce their new son or daughter’s birth.
Catherine was admitted to the private Lindo wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, West London ahead of the birth, as the waiting media gathered outside in anticipation. Police recently erected signs outside of the hospital warning of parking restrictions due to a “special event”.
This is of course the second child for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who welcomed His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge in July 2013.
While the name of the new bub-to-be is not yet known, the official royal title will follow the same naming pattern of big brother George– that is, His/Her Royal Highness Prince (name) of Cambridge.
Duchess Catherine’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton moved into William and Catherine’s new family home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk recently to help the proud parents with their new arrival after housekeeper suddenly quit recently.
Duchess Catherine is very close with her parents and after Prince George’s arrival, spent time recuperating and adjusting to her new life as a mum at her childhood home with them in Bucklebury, Berkshire. This is where the first official family portrait was taken with a newborn Prince George.
This time though, the Middletons are believed to be coming to Catherine as the family are now better settled into Anmer Hall after renovations were finally completed on the ten-bedroom estate late last year. It was originally gifted to the couple as a wedding gift from the Queen in 2011.
Duchess Kate also turned to her parents for support throughout the difficult early days of her pregnancy. Just as with Prince George, poor Kate suffered badly with Hyperemesis Gravidarum– an illness similar to an extreme form of morning sickness.
Catherine had to cancel many official public appearances in the early stages as a result but this year, in the later stages, she has been as busy and active as ever, attending many official engagements at which her stylish maternity outfits inevitably sold out of shops straight away!
Bookmakers will no doubt be keen to hear the news of the new royal arrival too as over 80% of their punters had odds on the new bub being a girl. As to what the name could be? Alice was the strong favourite in the lead up to the birth, with odds being slashed from from 8/1 to 3/1, Elizabeth followed close with odds of 5/1, then Charlotte with odds of 11/2.
Punters even placed bets on what the Duchess will wear when she leaves the hospital – last time she favoured blue, so of course this time punters are leaning towards pink – with odds of 4/1.
Wishing the royal couple all the best for an easy birth! We will keep you updated with any royal baby news the moment the new Prince or Princess arrives!