Kate pregnant - royal baby expected for summer 2013

For the first time in Britain's centuries-old royal history, the child expected to be born around next June or July will automatically become king or queen - regardless of whether it is a boy or girl.

 

Following a change in succession rules agreed by the Commonwealth heads of government a year ago, first born royal daughters in direct line to the throne will no longer be leapfrogged by their younger male siblings.

 

The baby born to William and Kate will be third in line to the throne, pushing Prince Harry, William's younger brother, into fourth place.

 

The palace also announced that Kate, 30, was admitted to the private King Edward VII hospital in London Monday, where she is being treated for a severe form of morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

 

She would have to stay in hospital for "several days" and would be ordered to have a "period of rest" afterwards, said sources, adding that the duchess' official programme was likely to be curtailed.

 

Speculation about if and when Kate and William, both 30, would have a baby, reached fever pitch in recent weeks. The couple undertook a high-profile tour of Asia and the South Pacific in September - but had no further immediate travel plans.

 

Prince William, a search and rescue pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF), has said he is uncertain about whether or not to continue with his military career.

 

The couple live on the island of Anglesey, in Wales, and have an apartment in Kensington Palace in London. Both have repeatedly spoken of their desire to have a family.

 

Royal watchers said it was Kate's condition that bounced the palace into making the announcement, even though the pregnancy had likely not yet passed the 12-week mark.

 

Last Friday, the duchess cut a dashing figure when she joined in a game of hockey during a visit to her old preparatory school in Berkshire, near London. Analysts said it was likely that she was not aware of her pregnancy at that time.

 

Kate, now officially known as Catherine, met Prince William at St. Andrew's University in Scotland in 2001. She married William, the second in line to the throne and oldest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, in April, 2011.

 

Prime Minister David Cameron was among one of the first to react to the news. "I'm delighted by the news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby. They will make wonderful parents. The wholenation will be celebrating with them tonight."
Labour Party leader Ed Milib and also described the news as "wonderful" and said the whole country would be thrilled.

 

US President Barack Obama also congratulated the couple, a White House spokesman said. The news was also warmly greeted by Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana. "It is wonderful news and I am thrilled for them both," he said.

 

The baby would have been a first grandchild for Diana who died in a car crash in Paris in August, 1997.

 

The royal baby will be the queen's third great grandchild. Forher, the news of the pregnancy crowns a year in which she has celebrated 60 years on the throne and her 65th wedding anniversary with Prince Philip