Kate Middleton 'in the early stages of labour' Kensington Palace announces

Kate Middleton has been admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington

Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton has been admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington 'in the early stages of labour' Kensington Palace announced this morning.

The Duchess of Cambridge is expected to give birth to her third child today after she was admitted to hospital earlier this morning.

Kensington Palace confirmed the news on their official Twitter account just moments ago, writing: ‘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.

Kate travelled to the hospital by car, a journey which was reported last week as taking just six minutes:  ‘The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.’

News of Kate's labour will delight fans who guessed that today; St George's Day – the feast day of the patron saint of England – would be the day that the Duchess gives birth.

A royal source previously told The Sun: ‘There’s no certainty with due dates of course but the Duchess is working off a date around St George’s Day and it would be a lovely patriotic coincidence if he or she were born then.

‘The one thing that is certain though, if it’s a boy he won’t be called George! Prince George has already taken that one.’

pregnant kate middleton duchess of cambridge

The royal family are ready to receive their latest addition, with the Palace keeping fans updated as to how Kate is doing via different online sources. Alongside the official Kensington Palace Twitter page, the royal family are also keeping fans updated on Kate’s labour using their dedicated webpage on the royal family’s website.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the royal family will use the newly-launched platform to keep fans in the loop about any developments on the impending birth.

It is thought that neither Kate or Prince William know the gender of their impending new arrival, but that hasn't stopped fans speculating as to what the royal baby's name might be.  Many have been eager to known what the couple plan to name their third baby, with leading bookmaker William Hill having Alice as the 4/1 favourite if it's a girl, followed by Mary at 11/2. While Arthur is 5/1 for a boy.

Freelance Writer

A Freelance Writer and Content Editor, Jenni has been working on the women's lifestyle team at TI-Media on and off for over three years. She writes about your favourite celebrities and TV shows so you never miss an update. Jenni also writes beauty news and features - so for all of your skincare and make-up needs, drop her a line.