Duchess of Cambridge, pregnant and driven to Hospital...

Julian Bray writes: Following mounting speculation and a few unguarded leaks it's finally confirmed: The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby, is less than 12 weeks pregnant, and as is usual the announcement was made by St James's Palace, this afternoon (Monday December 3rd 2012).  

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and other members of both families are be said to delighted with the news and congratulate the happy couple .

But the announcement was on the back of an element of drama,  as the palace also confirmed Kate had been admitted to a private hospital for treatment for a severe bout of morning sickness, known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. She's expected to stay in for a few days. 

She was taken unwell during a visit to relatives, the Cambridges arrived at the St Edwards Hospital in Central London, by private car from Bucklebury in Hertfordshire, where they had been visiting the in-laws, Kates parents. 

The official line from the palace:  "The Duchess was admitted this afternoon to King Edward VII Hospital in central London with hyperemesis gravidarum.

"As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter."

Royal sources say the Duchess knew late last month that she was pregnant and has been scaling back her royal rota  of engagements, and contrary to some views Kate has not ruled out some maternity nurse help and a possible resident nanny for the first year at least.  It's expected that like Diana, the Norland Nanny agency will be an early port of call. The nurses in their distinctive brown uniforms, have looked after many Royals over the years, whatever gender the Cambridges produce, the infant Royal will be third in line of succession to the throne.

Meanwhile back at King Edward VII Hospital, the media pack is encamped on the doorstep and growing by the hour. In 2000, the Hospital changed its name from King Edward VII’s Hospital for Officers to King Edward VII’s Hospital Sister Agnes and in accordance with its charitable aim, the financial benefits to which Officer patients had been entitled, were unconditionally extended to all ranks of serving and ex-Service personnel.



Contributor: Media Expert, Aviation, Politics & Travel Commentator, Broadcaster & Journalist Julian Bray NUJ, EQUITY UK Landline: 01733 345581 Mobile: 07944 217476 ISDN2 +44(0)1733 555 319 (UK HOME ISDN 01733 555319) G722/APT-X Dual Codecs SKYPE: JULIAN.BRAY.UK