Kensington Palace confirmed that Kate Middleton has been admitted to the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital and is now in "the early stages of labor." The Duchess of Cambridge traveled by car and was accompanied by her husband, Prince William.
Kate Middleton was admitted to the hospital on Monday morning, before 6 AM (U.K. time). The royal couple is expecting their third child together.
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London earlier this morning in the early stages of labour.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 23, 2018
The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.
Fifth in line to the throne
Kate Middleton announced her third pregnancy last September.
As with her two previous pregnancies, the 36-year-old royal suffered extreme morning sickness and took a break from her official duties during her first trimester. She resumed her royal engagements during her second trimester up to the final weeks of pregnancy. However, Kate was visibly absent from Queen Elizabeth's 92nd birthday concert last Saturday.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have chosen not to reveal if their third child will be a boy or a girl. Regardless of the gender, the new royal baby will be the fifth in line to the British throne.
As People reported, the birth of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s third baby could be “historic” due to a measure passed after the royal couple’s wedding in 2011.
If the baby is a boy, he will not displace his older sister in the line of succession. He will come after Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte. Prince Harry will be moved to sixth in line.
10 royal traditions to know about ahead of the birth of Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby https://t.co/uG1zrvDZjk
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) April 19, 2018
Royal watchers flock to St. Mary’s Hospital
Kate Middleton is no stranger to the private Lindo Wing of St.
Mary’s Hospital, as this was where she gave birth to her two older children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
Supporters of the royal family—many of whom are wearing patriotic clothes—have already flocked to the hospital in anticipation of the royal baby’s birth. Coincidentally, Kate’s labor also falls on St.
George’s day.
Based on Kate Middleton’s past deliveries, royal watchers are expecting a swift delivery, the Daily Mail reported. With Prince George, Kate’s first child, she labored for 10-and-a-half hours. With Princess Charlotte, the Duchess gave birth just two hours and 34 minutes after she arrived at the hospital.
Kensington Palace has previously confirmed that the new royal baby’s birth will be announced on social media. The royal family will also follow the age-old tradition of putting up a framed announcement on an ornate gold stand behind the gates of Buckingham Palace.
