The pitter-patter of little feet is becoming the norm at Buckingham Palace, as Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, announce they’re expecting another child. No name has yet been chosen for the third royal to be born to Prince William and Duchess Kate.
News of a royal pregnancy
The shocking news of her pregnancy made headlines worldwide today, as their first son Prince George began school for the first time. His parents, both aged 35, already have another child, Princess Charlotte, aged two. In the past, however, they expressed their desire to have a large, loving and happy family.
It comes as a break from the apparent tradition of having small families. Prince William’s mother, the late Princess Diana had two children, himself and Prince Harry. The Queen’s children Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew also have two children each.
Kensington Palace confirms that, just like her other two pregnancies, Duchess Kate is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or acute morning sickness, which requires supplementary hydration, medication, and nutrients. Her illness prevented her from attending a function earlier today, sparking rumors of a possible pregnancy. Buckingham Palace, along with Britons, went wild with delight once the news was confirmed. The soon to be Royal’s future uncle Prince Harry commented that he was “very very happy” at the news which was “absolutely fantastic.” It is believed that Duchess Kate is less than 12 weeks pregnant.
Like the last two royal children, several betting agencies are now taking bets on possible names for the impending royal and Queen Elizabeth’s youngest grandchild. When Princess Charlotte was born, betting industry bookies paid out close to one million pounds to persons who highly wagered on her name as the first choice, as compared to Alice, Diana and Olivia, which were also popular contenders.
Prince William is the eldest son of Prince Charles and grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Succession laws considered, his new son or daughter would be fifth in line to the British throne, after grandfather Prince Charles, himself, and elder siblings George and Charlotte. He or she will become the Queen’s sixth great-grandchild.
In the past, only a male child, the first born of the monarch, would have been considered heir to the throne. The crown would have only passed to the eldest daughter if there were no sons born to the reigning monarch. However, in 2011, Commonwealth leaders agreed to change the succession laws and also lifted the ban on the monarch’s obligation to marry a Roman Catholic. The 91-year-old Queen is the world’s longest reigning monarch.
Traveling plans may be postponed
Only recently, the Prince and his wife moved from their Norfolk home Anmer Hall and settled into a lovely Kensington Palace apartment. They are scheduled to travel abroad later this year, but it is uncertain whether that will happen, given Kate’s illness.
The announcement of her pregnancy comes less than a week after the 20 year anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. Her former husband Prince Charles and his 70-year-old wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, have no children together. She does, however, have two children from her former marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles, which ended in 1995.
