If Duchess Catherine goes into labour in the middle of the night, palace insiders have advised that no one can expect to know about it until the next day.
In fact, no announcement will be made between the hours of 10pm and 8am, London time ,because the Queen, as well as members of both William and Catherine’s families, will have to be informed first.
“Processes like that can take some time,” a palace source told People magazine.
“I wouldn’t think anyone will be waking the Queen before 8am,” another royal source explained.
After Duchess Catherine gave birth to Prince George in 2013, the press were not informed for another four hours. William and Kate wanted to enjoy that precious time bonding with their newborn, in addition to phoning close friends and family to tell them the news.
Likewise, Kate’s arrival at the Lindo Wing in Paddington was not announced until 7.30am London time, although she checked in at 5am.
The Queen was one of the first to be notified, with a phone call to the palace to inform her that the new heir to throne had arrived.
Prince George’s little brother or sister will now be fourth in line to the throne, taking over that place from Prince Harry, who will be fifth in line.
This time the press will be emailed an official statement about the birth, followed two minutes later by an official Tweet from the palace to announce the arrival of the new prince or princess.
If Kate endures a long labour, there will not be any updates.
Official updates are expected to be confined to confirming the Duchess is in labour, and a second one later announcing the birth.
