William and Kate expecting 3rd child

LONDON: Prince William’s wife, Kate, is expecting their third child, Kensington Palace announced yesterday, adding that she would not be attending a planned engagement due to morning sickness.

William, 35, is second in line to the throne, and the new baby will be fifth in line, bumping William’s younger brother, Harry, down the order of succession.

The news comes at the start of the week that the royal couple’s eldest child, Prince George, 4, begins school here.

The couple also have a daughter, Princess Charlotte, 2.

“Their royal highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child,” the palace said.

There was no immediate indication when the baby was due or if it is a boy or a girl.

Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, was said to be “delighted” at the news, as were members of both families.

Prime Minister Theresa May was quick to offer her congratulations, saying on Twitter: “This is fantastic news.”

The palace confirmed that “as with her previous two pregnancies, the duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum”, an acute form of morning sickness.

Kate, 35, was hospitalised with the condition during her first pregnancy in 2012. It forced her to cancel a trip to Malta when she was pregnant with Charlotte in 2014.