The world is preparing to welcome a royal baby next month, but today’s reports suggest the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first child could arrive earlier than expected.
The due date of the royal baby is believed to be July 13, but the UK newspapers are speculating the “true date” may have been kept secret, as was the case in Prince William’s birth.
Royal birth plan: Duchess hoping for natural birth at Diana hospital
In 1982, Princess Diana announced the heir to the throne was due on July 1, but surprised royalwatchers when the little prince arrived ten days early on June 21.
If Kate and William have decided to follow Diana’s lead, the Telegraph suggests, the “true expected due date” of their child will be July 3.
Kate’s failure to attend the lavish wedding of Melissa Percy and Tom van Straubenzee at the weekend has fuelled rumours over the baby’s early arrival, with reports the Duchess didn’t accompany her husband “in case she went into very early labour”.
In January this year St James Palace confirmed the baby was due in July, with the 13th widely reported as the anticipated due date.
“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in July,” a statement from St James’ Palace said.
The Palace has also tried to hamper speculation over the baby’s gender, insisting the couple have chosen not to be told their child’s sex until it is born.
In pictures: Last glimpse of Kate before baby is born
The first indication of Kate going into labour will be via Twitter, where Clarence House and Buckingham Palace will announce the news once the Duchess has been admitted to hospital and seen by a doctor.
The actual birth will be given a bit more pomp and circumstance, with an announcement printed on special stationary and signed by delivery room doctors and displayed on a royal easel by the front gates of Buckingham Palace.
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