The Royals are set to welcome a new royal addition to the most famous family in the world. "Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess Of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child,” according to a statement from Kensington Palace, released Monday morning. The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.”
The announcement came as a surprise to many, as there was little indication of the pregnancy. The last pregnancy was speculated after The Duchess canceled many royal engagements.
This led to them announcing the pregnancy before the usual 12-week statement.
The couple who have two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, will see the arrival of their baby sister or brother in February.
Succession to the throne
The birth of the latest addition will relegate Prince Harry down to sixth in line to the throne, however, the new arrival will not displace big sister Charlotte in line for succession. Thanks to the measure which passed after William and Kate’s marriage in 2011, up until this date if the couple had a younger son, he would be allowed to usurp his older sisters place in inheriting the throne.
As the great-grandchild of the Queen, he or she will be placed fifth in line to the throne, and The Prince Of Wales is first in line.
Prince William is second, followed by Prince George, and sister Charlotte in fourth.
Kate has already had to cancel her engagements on Monday morning due to Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a form of severe morning sickness. The Duchess suffered severely with both of her two pregnancies with George and Charlotte.
The Royal baby names
Traditional names are likely to be picked, with Alice being a favorite as it was the name of Queen Victoria’s daughter as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s mother.
Victoria is another consideration.
Should the baby be a boy name's such as James, the name of Kate's brother, Philip is said to be on the list. This would be chosen out of respect for William’s Grandfather, the Duke Of Edinburgh.
Other considerations are said to include Charles in honor of the Prince of Wales, Albert or even Henry – Prince Harry’s real name.
The baby is to be born in the famous Ludo wing, where William and Harry were born. Kate has had both her children there after having straightforward deliveries and will be expected back at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. Kate has previously had the exclusive private delivery suite for both pregnancies and will have her third child arrive here.
