Police have erected notices outside the Lindo Wing in Paddington, West London, warning of extra restrictions due to a ‘special event’ between April 15-30.
Duchess Catherine, 33, and Prince William, 32, are reportedly keen to avoid the media mayhem that surrounded the birth of the first royal baby.
Unlike with the arrival of Prince George that saw press camped out for weeks, media will not be allowed to congregate outside the hospital until Catherine goes into labour.
“We would appeal to all media to respect the family nature of this moment and provide the appropriate amount of privacy that they should be able to expect,” a royal aide said.
It’s expected that police will soon begin erecting barriers and marking out spots for journalists, photographers and TV crews in an attempt to control the chaos as royal baby fever takes over.
It could be a frantic day when the royal bub arrives, with Prince William having commenced his commercial pilot training for the East Anglia Air Ambulance service, meaning he will face a two hour dash to be with Duchess Catherine when she goes into labour.
A contingency plan has also been put in place at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in case the Duchess is at her parent’s home in Berkshire when the new bub decides to arrive.
Meanwhile, the royal couple have said they are “touched” by the public’s reaction in the lead up to the royal birth.
In a statement William and Catherine said they were “hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received from people throughout the UK and indeed around the world over the last few months”.
“They know that people are excited Prince George will soon have a little brother or sister and it means a great deal to them that so many will be celebrating this important moment for their family.”
“They are very appreciative that so many people share their excitement as they await the arrival of their second baby.”