THE Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has been rushed to London’s St. Mary’s Hospital in the early stages of her labour.
News Limited reports Kate was rushed to Paddington’s St. Mary’s Hospital around 6am this morning – and straight into the hospital’s private Lindo wing, with husband Prince William by her side.
The wing is the same place where the late Princess Diana gave birth to Prince William and his younger brother, Prince Harry in the early 1980’s.
Kensington Palace confirmed the beginning of Kate’s labour in a statement issued at 7.30am – and also spread the news via their official Twitter account.
“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London, in the early stages of labour.
“The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.”
The news was a huge sigh of relief for the world’s media, who have been camping out in media pens at the hospital to cover the birth since the beginning of the month.
A series of barriers have also been erected around the hospital to cater for the crowds expected to gather there before and after the baby’s birth.
William and Kate have declared they are unsure of the baby’s sex. If it is a girl, the baby will be the first female firstborn of a future monarch to take precedence over a younger brother.
The world will be informed of the baby’s birth via a traditional time-old process co-ordinated by Buckingham Palace.
After Kate gives birth, all doctors and staff present at the hospital will sign an official proclamation that handed to a royal courier. The courier will be given a police escort through the streets of central London to deliver the note to Buckingham Palace.
The note will then be placed on an elaborate easel – last used for Prince William’s birth in 1982 – and placed on display in the courtyard of the palace near the front gates for the public to read. A 41-gun salute from the London-based artillery squad will then take place, along with the ringing of church bells across the United Kingdom.
As soon as the bulletin is posted, the media will be formally notified of the baby’s gender, weight and time of birth. Buckingham Palace will also issue these details via an annoucement on their Twitter page. The baby’s name is expected to be made public in the coming weeks.
Australian Times will keep you posted on the Royal Baby birth as the news breaks!
