Photographers and royal fans from around the world have taken up their places outside London’s St Mary’s Hospital to begin the long wait for Kate to appear.
Police yesterday erected a huge press pen outside the Lindo wing of the hospital where Diana gave birth to William in 1982.
Photographers and video cameramen from around the world were quick to claim their spots in the enclosure, chaining stepladders to the crowd control fencing to ensure they had the best vantage points to capture the Duchess of Cambridge arriving at hospital, and the first glimpse of the new baby after the birth.
Photographers have chained ladders to the fencing to ensure they have a good view of the new baby.
Traditionally, royal parents pose for photos with their bundle of joy on the hospital’s steps after mother and baby are discharged.
Although Kate’s reported due date is still 10 days away, some eager photographers aren’t taking any chances, and are already staking out the hospital.
Diehard royal fans have also started their vigil, lining up to have the best spot when the baby arrives.
Parking outside the hospital has been banned for the month of July so Kate can get in quickly.
Kate is due to give birth on July 13. William is said to be determined to be present at the birth and a helicopter is on standby to rush him from his RAF base in Anglesey, Wales, to London when his wife goes into labour.
Kate’s mother Carole Middleton and sister Pippa will also be present at the hospital so they can step in to support Kate in the delivery room if William doesn’t make it.
Once the baby is born, William will telephone the Queen to let her know the weight and sex. He will then be free to call his father Prince Charles and Kate’s family.
The attending doctors will then sign an official document announcing the birth, which will be rushed to Buckingham Palace under police escort where it will be displayed on an easel by the front gates.
If mother and baby are healthy, they will emerge on the hospital’s steps for their first photo call 24 to 48 hours later before being whisked away to Kate’s parents Berkshire home where they will spend the first six weeks.
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