The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced they are expecting their second child, as confirmed by royal officials overnight.
A status on the official The British Monarchy Facebook page read, “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child. The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news. As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today. The Duchess of Cambridge is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace.”
Prince William revealed din a statement, “She’s feeling okay. It’s been a tricky few days – week or so – but obviously we’re basically thrilled, it’s great news, and early days. We’re hoping things settle down and she feels a bit better.”
Kate, 32, whose son, Prince George is just a year old, is suffering from the severe condition which causes extreme sickness in pregnant women, as she did in her first pregnancy. Prince William said she may be over the worst of it in a fortnight.
Royal officials said the duchess is not yet 12 weeks pregnant. ABC News royal contributor Victoria Murphy said the Palace would likely not have released news of Kate’s pregnancy for another five to six weeks had she been healthy enough to attend public events.
On the baby news, younger brother Prince Harry said it was “very exciting” but also jokingly quipped that he “could not wait to see his brother suffer more”. Harry went on to say if the couple’s second child is a girl he would “love to see him try and cope with that”.
On Kate’s health, he described her as doing “pretty poorly” but is “doing the best she can”.
“I hope the two of them have the opportunity to go through the process again with a little bit of peace and quiet,” Prince Harry said.
Kate was due to visit Malta in less than two weeks, her first solo royal engagement abroad. But given her morning sickness, Palace officials will determine whether she’s able to attend.
The baby, expected to be born in the spring, will be a younger sibling to 1-year-old Prince George. He or she will be fourth in line to the British throne after grandfather Prince Charles, father Prince William and big brother George. Called “an heir and a spare,” with George in direct line to the throne. Although, second-born royal babies can end up as monarch – Britain’s last King, George VI, acceded to the throne in 1936 when his older brother Edward VII abdicated.
British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted his about the announcement, “Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I’m delighted by the happy news that they’re expecting another baby.”
image credit: duke and duchess of cambridge expecting images via ABC news and zimbio.com
