The Duchess of Cambridge is Expecting Her Second Child

In unexpected and breaking news, Kensington Palace has confirmed the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her second child. The couple only found out very recently and Kate has not yet reached the crucial twelve week stage.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Official Website

We wish to extend our congratulations to William and Kate. The couple are doting parents to Prince George and we're so pleased they will be welcoming a new addition to their family.

Once again, William and Kate have been forced to take the difficult decision to announce the pregnancy because Kate is suffering with Hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. Her Royal Highness will be unable to accompany William for today's visit to Oxford.

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When Kate was in the early stages of her first pregnancy, the morning sickness was so severe she was hospitalised at King Edward VII hospital. This time Her Royal Highness is at home at Kensington Palace being treated by the surgeon gynaecologist to the Queen Alan Farthing. Dr. Farthing assisted Marcus Setchell when Kate was expecting George.

More about the condition from Pregnancy Sickness Support:

'Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum are particularly isolating conditions and women are very often left feeling misunderstood and alone for months on end when housebound'.

The official statement from the Palace:

'Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child. The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.

 As with her first pregnancy, the Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany the Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today.'

Kate's sickness means her first solo trip to Malta later this year is seriously in doubt. A Palace source said that a decision would be made closer to the time. But the Duchess does plan to support her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, at the Invictus Games for the opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, although it will depend on how she feels.

While we don't know exact dates, it's been reported Prince George will have a brother or sister in late March-early April next year.

The baby will be a Prince or Princess, as The Queen ensured all William's children would become HRHs with fitting titles. The Prince or Princess will be fourth in line to the throne and the the fifth great-grandchild of the Queen and Prince Philip. Allegedly the Queen and Prince Charles were informed over the past 24 hours while the Middleton family were told the good news last weekend.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Official Website

The press gathered outside Kensington Palace today.

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Meanwhile, a very happy looking Prince William formally opened the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building in the grounds of St. Hugh's College this afternoon.

The Prince was greeted by excited school children who shouted 'Congratulations' and received a posy of flowers for Kate and a toy swan for George. During the engagement he revealed he hopes Kate "will be over the worst of her morning sickness in a few weeks time". There's a video from the appearance at ITN Source.

Before leaving William said a few words to the press:

'She's feeling ok thanks. It's been a tricky few days..week or so. But obviously we're immensely thrilled.  It's great news, early days. We're hoping things settle down and she feels a bit better.'

Do you think William and Kate will have another little prince or a princess? :)