The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have confirmed their baby is due in April next year, Kensington Palace has said.
Kate, who is expecting her second child, has been suffering from another bout of the illness hyperemesis gravidarum which she experienced during the early stages of her first pregnancy.
A series of engagements were cancelled after her pregnancy was announced on September 8 but she is expected to join William in officially welcoming the President of Singapore Tony Tan and his wife today, as the statesman begins a four-day state visit to the UK. However, Kate’s second bout of the illness appears to be lasting longer then when she was first struck down when pregnant with Prince George.
In December 2012 she was treated for three days in hospital for the condition and 10 days later she attended the BBC’s Sports Personality award show to help present the main honour to cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins, who had won the Tour de France and an Olympic gold medal that year. The Duchess has not been seen at an official public event since it was announced six weeks ago in September she was pregnant again.
Her last official engagement was in early August when she visited the Tower of London with William and Prince Harry to see the First World War ceramic poppy installation.
Kate did not travel to Malta last month for an official visit which would have been her first solo overseas trip, and she missed Prince Harry’s successful Invictus Games.
Yesterday Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2015.
Confirmation of the expected birth month suggests Kate has had her 12-week scan and seen images of the baby for the first time.
With the Duchess just over 12 weeks pregnant, it is likely that the baby is due around the end of April and could possibly arrive on William and Kate’s fourth wedding anniversary on April 29. The prince or princess will be born as the nation gears up for the General Election in May. If the baby is born late, it could even arrive on election day.
There has already been speculation that the baby’s birth could coincide with the 89th birthday of its great-grandmother the Queen on April 21. Other notable royal anniversaries in April include the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall’s 10th wedding anniversary on April 9.
After confirmation of the baby’s due month, bookmakers William Hill said the favourite name with punters is Elizabeth and it is offering odds of 21/1 that the baby is born on the Queen’s birthday, April 21.
The Cambridges will greet the Singaporean President and his wife Mary at the Royal Garden Hotel in London today, then travel with the couple to Horse Guards Parade, where he will receive a full ceremonial welcome.
It is the first time Singapore’s President has made a state visit to the UK.