One of the most anticipated births in recent history is expected in
July, when the third in line to the British throne is due to arrive, St.
James's Palace said this morning. ''Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted
to confirm they are expecting a baby in July," the palace said in a
statement. "The Duchess's condition continues to improve since her stay
in hospital last month.''
Reading between the lines, the palace statement implies that the royal
couple will have one child, dispelling speculation that the duchess is
carrying twins.
Doing the math, if the new prince or princess arrives early, he or she
could share a birthday with William's mother, Princess Diana, who was
born July 1. But the due date looks likely to be mid-July. Kate Middleton, 31, who is 13 to 14 weeks pregnant, is continuing to do
better after spending four nights at a hospital last month because of
severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum.
The duchess has since cut her public engagements, keeping a low profile as she recovers. Her most recent appearance was for the unveiling of her official portrait Friday with royal watchers spotting a tiny baby bump. Prince Charles recently delighted at the prospect of being a grandpa,
saying, it's ''a very nice thought of grandfatherhood at my old age, if I
may say so. So that's splendid. And I'm very glad my daughter-in-law is
getting better, thank goodness.''
A royal spokesman says both will be out of the picture for the
foreseeable future with William, 30, carrying on with his day job as a
search-and-rescue pilot and Kate putting her feet up and out of the
spotlight.
