BBC MAN’S GAFFE OVER KATE’S APRIL BABY
A BBC presenter made sarcastic comments on a news bulletin yesterday as he reported the Duchess of Cambridge’s baby was due in April.
Veteran journalist Simon McCoy, 56, struggled to hide his boredom as he told viewers the due date for Kate and William’s third child had been announced.
He went on to sarcastically encourage viewers to ‘clear their diaries’ and ‘get the time booked off’ ahead of the birth.
Speaking as the story broke, McCoy, who is known for being cynical about royal baby news, said: ‘Now, bearing in mind that they announced that she was pregnant back in September and it was thought that she was around two or three months’ pregnant, I’m not sure how much news this really is.
‘But anyway it’s April, so clear your diaries, get the time booked off because that’s what I’m doing.’
In 2013, he reported on the due date of Prince George, saying: ‘Plenty more to come from here... none of it news.’
Kensington Palace confirmed the due date yesterday with a simple statement saying: ‘Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2018.’
The confirmation will prompt further speculation that the child was conceived during the Royals’ trip to Poland and Germany in the summer.
The Duke and Duchess arrived in Warsaw on July 17 and when Kate was handed a toy for new- borns, she laughed and said to William: ‘We will just have to have more babies.’ The Duchess has suffered from a severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which saw her taken to hospital while pregnant with Prince George. But on Monday, seemingly enjoying some res-
‘Get the time booked off’
pite from the condition, a vibrant Kate made an appearance at Paddington Station where she danced with Paddington Bear.
The Duke was then able to tell the stars of the Paddington 2 movie that his wife’s condition had improved. But a planned overseas trip next month has been postponed. Instead, William will visit Finland for two days in November on his own.
The Palace announced Kate’s pregnancy on September 4, before the Duchess had reached the 12-week stage. It was thought courtiers had acted as it was thought necessary to explain her absence from Royal duties.
The new royal baby should arrive the month before the Cambridges’ daughter Princess Charlotte turns three on May 2. The Duchess gave birth to both George and Charlotte at the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, West London and she is expected to use the same facility this time.
The new arrival will be fifth in line to the throne.